The Subaru Forester has achieved its 70,000th Australian sale, seven years after it spearheaded a whole new class of compact all terrain wagons.

Launched in August 1997, Forester became an instant best seller and has maintained its remarkable run of success ever since.

Along the way it has become one of the most awarded vehicles in Australian automotive history, including multiple motoring organisation Best Car titles.

Forester is also a consistently strong performer in the list of top vehicles for retained value. In the current Glass's Guide Used Values for Compact Sports Utility Vehicles, Forester XS Luxury Pack rates best in class at 36 months old.

Now in its second generation, the Forester range includes the entry-level X, XS and the range-topping turbocharged XT.

All Foresters share class leading five-star independent crashworthiness ratings for occupant protection from the Australian New Car Assessment Programme.

In early 2003, Forester XT Luxury Pack became the first Japanese-made vehicle to receive a five-star ANCAP rating and also gained the highest rating for a compact sports utility vehicle.

Forester maintains Subaru's rear view standard that a one-metre tall object, such as a child, can be seen from the rear-view mirror and through the u-shaped base of the rear screen.

Forester has found a niche with emergency services, including use as a rapid response paramedic ambulance in metropolitan Victoria and NSW, and general ambulance duties in rural locations.

Key Forester selling points include Subaru's unique combination of horizontally opposed Boxer engine and symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, for optimum handling, and driveability in a wide range of conditions.

Safety, compact size, ease of entry and practicality, including in-cabin storage are also standout features.