I've had a couple of uneasy weeks in which there were some unsettling thoughts about the cars I was driving-not that they weren't quite stunning in their performance.
However, but in times of such harsh budgetary cutbacks and people losing their jobs, to be out driving two new cars that between them cost more than €130 000 seemed a bit forward.
In fact, on the Irish Emergency Budget day recently, my nerve went completely and instead of driving the car down to the office and parking near the office I hid it in a car park at the other end of town.
This is rather shaming; people who can afford to buy should be doing just that, and, it must be pointed out, some premium-priced cars have never been so cheap.
For the last two weeks I've been behind the three-pointed star: first the Mercedes-Benz CLC, then the face-lifted CLS 320 CDi and even the CLS 63 AMG (pictured)
It wasn't just the huge price discrepancies between the cars or so between the cars but a whole difference of approach, style and finish.
With the first, you are in a nicely balanced fun coupe that for many is the entry level into the Mercedes sport range. The third is a sumptuous experience of wood, leather and power centred on a beautiful four-door coupe that exudes confidence. Rubbing shoulders with the S-Class has paid off in its attitude and ambition.
The CLC evolved from the C-Class Coupe that has attracted 320 000 buyers since it was first introduced in 2001. It has a distinctive wedge profile that militates against good rearward visibility but does give it a powerful and sporty look.
The CLC attracted envious glances and appreciative comments from other road users who could identify with it as a driver's car to which people could aspire despite it being really only a reworking of the original C-Class. There were unsavoury mutterings about my parentage when I was out in the CLS, despite it being a much classier vehicle.
The CLC is an incredibly nimble little number courtesy of a new, more agile and direct steering system. Some commentators have criticised the CLC ride for being too firm but I liked the sporty feel of the car.
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
Luggage space is excellent and verges on the enormous when the rear seats are folded. However, while rear legroom is far better than in some of the coupes I've tested, you'll get complaints from tall teenagers.
Up front, the sports seats give great support.
Despite some brushed-aluminium touches, the interior doesn't reflect the premium price and doesn't compare well with many of its rivals. The performance of the auto box is excellent and emissions and fuel consumption are down by about 10 percent from the C-Class Coupe.
Apparently 43 percent of the high number of C-Class Coupe owners who were first time Merc buyers trade up to E-Class, CLK or SLK models. While that's unlikely to happen so much now, the CLS is waiting for those who have a lucky win on the lottery.
The CLS gives incredible style to the already impressive E-Class saloon. The car reeks of power and it's transmitted seamlessly through a seven-speed auto box. It's highly specced but needs to be because there's a very competitive environment out there.
IT'S HUGELY SAFE
I loved the leather and wood and there is something of the classic about the CLS. The sweeping roofline - which doesn't help rear headroom - and distinctive body language throughout contribute an attractively low profile... a poised-for-action appearance.
It's a hugely safe, well-built and thoughtful machine and I became very fond of the CLS before handing it over to a colleague. I'll miss it just as I miss any pedigree car.
I hoped, when I took it for a final drive, that I would have the confidence to say: "This is good, this is real motoring and let's not be ashamed of aspiring to it." - Irish Independent