Ok, im not sure if this is related to your former posts about thinking about a new car but.......
In general subarus drink petrol, the boxer engines and turbos coupled with 4x4 transmission are very thirsty, definitely into softroader territory if not big 4x4 territory, and tax etc will be an issue due to C02. I used to have a basic spec Subary Imprezza Turbo and it was evil for petrol and I know the others are the same as I used to read up on the range (I am a Carbore after all!). Also if its like the Imprezza you need to take thge engine out to change the spark plugs (really)
That said off road performence is good, many subarus have a low range box (yes really!) and other off road toys, I used to say that while cars like the freelander (ill get lynched) are frequently bought by people who want a 4x4 but dont need one, subarus are bought by people who need a 4x4 but dont want one! Frequently owned by farmers, doctors, vets, horsy types and when I was in the alps on holiday every other car was a forrester or outback. All the reviews say they are very good for wet fields and rough trails and snow. Id guess clearance could be an issue though as mostly these are designed for non clearnace related 4x4 ing.
