Some SUVs impress you in the showroom and disappoint you at the fuel station. This Forester does the opposite. Dressed in a rich metallic bronze that glows warm in the Nairobi afternoon light, it carries a bold chrome framed grille, sharp LED headlamps, contrasting silver skid plates and a set of crisp two tone alloy rims that give it a rugged but refined character. Roof rails, fog lamps and a smart rear bumper finish make it look ready for both the office car park and a weekend in the countryside.

Underneath is the clever part. The 2000cc e Boxer hybrid system pairs Subaru's famously smooth boxer engine with electric assistance, so you get quiet, effortless pull away from a standstill and noticeably lower fuel consumption in the stop and go crawl that Nairobi is known for. Add Subaru's legendary symmetrical all wheel drive and you have a vehicle that stays composed on wet tarmac, murram roads and steep upcountry climbs alike. It is the kind of SUV that makes long journeys feel short.

Step inside and the Forester shows why families keep coming back to the badge. The cabin is bright, airy and wonderfully practical, with supportive seats trimmed in a smart mix of fabric and leather, and heated front seats to take the chill out of cold mornings in Limuru or Nanyuki. Rear passengers get genuine legroom and their own air vents, so nobody on the back seat feels like an afterthought. Fold the rear seats flat and the boot opens into a huge, wide and perfectly square load space that swallows luggage, camping gear, sports kit and the big weekend shopping without complaint.

Safety and convenience are where this Forester really pulls ahead of the pack. Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance watches the road with you, while lane assist helps keep you centred on the highway and side vehicle detection keeps an eye on your blind spots. A side camera and a reverse camera, together with front and rear parking sensors, turn tight parking and narrow gates into non events. Push button start, steering responsive headlights and a full set of driver aids mean you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the drive.

This is a rare combination of hybrid economy, all wheel drive confidence and everyday comfort, offered at only 3.4 million. It is clean, well presented and ready to go straight from our yard to your driveway. SUVs with this much technology at this price move quickly, so the smart thing is to see it before someone else does.