THE Forester's boxy styling pitches it at the traditional four-wheel drive buyer, as it reflects the utilitarian image of vehicles like the Nissan Patrol and the Toyota LandCruiser. However, the overall design has been taken out of proportion in the search for traditional off-road looks. The roofline has been raised too high for the bonnet and waistline, creating an impression of top-heaviness that doesn't exude the strength and muscular looks often sought by vehicles in the light-duty 4WD segment. The pronounced flaring of the front and rear guards helps to reduce the slab sided nature of the basic design, assisted by the side cladding - although only when it is painted in the contrasting Warm Grey Opal colour. The Forester GT is available in both single (monotone) and two-tone colour combinations, whereas previously the entire colour range comprised only two-tone offerings. The full colour models look quite different to the two-tone jobs, creating perceived styling differences, particularly when viewing the rear profile directly from behind. They also stamp the GT as a road car, whereas the duo-tone finish is more commonly associated with off-roaders.