Maybe I'm imagining it but I think the owners of the more ostentatious SUV's are looking a bit self-conscious these days. My, how they loved being the centre of attention in the good old days.
Those were crazy times (fewer than 24 months ago).
They battled for supremacy for the biggest, loudest, most audacious looking contraption the only-too-happy-to-please automakers could put under their pampered bottoms and over their Gucci sunglass-framed, fake-blonde heads.
Now they don't like the glare(s). Oh! I've seen a few of them around the posher plots of south Dublin. Was that a glimmer of guilt, a shimmer of shamefacedness, a slight queasiness at such ostentation when the rest of us are in sackcloth and ashes?
I think it was. No, I'm sure of it. Indeed, I've made up my mind that was the case. It makes me feel a bit better. Anything that makes them feel uneasy in their big show-offs gives me a warm glow in these chill times. I know I'm a sad case, but there's nothing like getting your recession resentment in first.
Maybe I'm just transferring my prejudices to their reactions and they don't give a tankful of diesel what I or any of the rest of us think.
They love their SUV's.
The problem with SUVs, you see, is that they hook you, reel you in like a pre-recession banker. You simply HAD to have one. They're a drug. Getting back down into a humble sedan, estate or hatchback is more than a physical downsizing; it's a dreadful psychological admission that:
a) You can't afford an SUV
b) You're afraid of upsetting the natives by driving an '09 version.
Subaru's old Forester was overlooked in great measure in those good old days for two reasons. While always acknowledged as being "a great drive" with "estate-like looks and handling", two facets inflicted mortal wounds. It wasn't bulgy, bulky and pretentious. And, critically for the more realistic among us, it had an enormously thirsty petrol engine.
Now, all of a sudden, there's a new Forester and it's hugely relevant. Being "estate-like" and built on a new energetic platform give it serious kudos. And it now has a diesel engine - not just any diesel but a strikingly effective, two-litre (a flat-four world-first of its kind) that showed me a swiftness of foot sufficient to make this a sporty sports utility that can easily live with the competition.
NOT THE FANCIEST
It's roomier than before (especially at the back) and there's great balance to its handling. Thankfully, the cabin is a lot less old-fashioned; indeed, it grew on me, and the seating gave me great support. I still had nearly a quarter-tank of diesel left after close on 700km and I hadn't spared the horses.
It may not be the fanciest of suv (as opposed to SUV) and I didn't like the turbo bulge on the bonnet - the likes of the RAV4 and Volvo XC30 look much better.
However, for those who like technically gifted motors (this has permanent all-wheel drive) and for those who can't shake the SUV drug but need something understated, then this is undoubtedly an enticing new kid on the block.
DECENT DEMAND
It has strength in depth, lots of room (the rear seats fold flat) and performance that will surprise.
However, the price is now looking a bit steep especially as the likes of Nissan have slashed €7000 off the X-Trail - a critical consideration.
Yet, I expect it will be in decent demand three years down the road as a trade-in. And, despite the price, I still think its significant all-round ability and non-ostentatious looks entitle it to be called "a recession SUV".
Well worth a look, as opposed to a glare. Irish Independent