Subaru Forester has always been a humble car. It is capable of achieving amazing feats, and yet it never shouts about it. A few days ago the 2013 version of the car made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show rather quietly, and then quickly went about its business. It’s been to the NCAP institute recently where it snatched a five-star rating.

The tough and versatile off-roader is now good looking and semi luxurious. It is more spacious and more comfortable than before, but none of its rugged, rally-bred capabilities have been lost. And it is safe; almost as safe as cars get, what with its large size, high ground clearance, and all the other safety tech that wont it EuroNCAP’s high praise.

The Forester scored highly in all four areas (Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist, and was awarded maximum score for the protection of all body regions in the side barrier test, while its front bumpers scored the highest mark for protection of pedestrian legs. Child safety is one category it particularly excelled at, with a score of 91 percent.