JAPANESE car maker Subaru has announced upgrades for its best selling model in the UK, the versatile Forester 4x4, including safety and styling features.

The Forester for 2016 is on sale now and pricing remains unchanged for all trim levels in the updated line-up, with the range starting from £25,495 for the 2.0i XE model and £26,995 for best-selling 2.0D XC models.

Every Forester is equipped with two core Subaru technologies - Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, giving sure-footedness in all conditions and the latest-generation four-cylinder Boxer engines, contributing to the low centre of gravity enhancing balance, road holding and handling.

The range of engines remains unchanged with a choice of three 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines - a 150bhp naturally-aspirated 2.0i petrol engine and a 147bhp 2.0D turbo-diesel unit from Subaru's FB family of engines, and a 241bhp direct injection turbocharged petrol unit.

All existing safety equipment on offer is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and the all-wheel drive technology.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on 2.0i and 2.0D models with an optional Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. Lineartronic is standard on XT models, equipped with the 241 PS DIT petrol engine.

Improvements have also been made to the interior of the Forester which is now finished with a higher proportion of soft-touch materials, new piano black and metallic trim, higher-resolution displays and new cloth and leather upholstery options and Subaru's new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system.