It wasn't for any specific reason that I had not given Subaru much thought lately, it just so happened that there were other things happening on the motoring front.
I have always had a soft spot for this Japanese all-wheel drive manufacturer's products, except maybe for the gigantic, ultra-thirsty, Tribeca for which I would not have batted an eyelid had it driven past me on an empty road.
At the same time I've never been a particular fan of the Scoobies with their huge pram handles on the bootlid, and, in the past, would have considered several other cars before even thinking of putting money down on one of these.
When my friend Helmoed Romer Heitman invested in a Subaru Forester, I supported his choice on the basis that I knew Scoobies were well built, dependable cars. At the time, Helmoed's decision was also informed by a sudden change in domestic realities - the man had moved from being single to an instant family in one fell swoop, complete with dogs. Big dogs.
And where would you find a more suitable car for that than a Subaru Forester?
For myself, though, Scoobies never really came to mind in a big way for me. I did not like the WRX Sti hatch, it looked to, er dare I say it? modernistic Asian run-of-the-mill.
Earlier WRX units did not cut it, as that tail fin was just too much; those gold wheels with the electric blue just that bit too blingy.
Then along comes the latest WRX and I'm offered a week's test drive.
Holy smoke.
It arrived in red livery, the colour I usually associated with my two most favourite Italian makes. It stood brutishly in my driveway, bulked up and big compared to two rather slim-looking Alfas dating from the previous century.
Frankly, it looked as if the beast could bite.
Oh, there's all sorts of political shenanigans to report on, such as the unhappiness of Scooby fans with the hatchback, lowered prices and such, but frankly, I don't care.
In one fell swoop, Subaru repaired most of the damage with the arrival of this car, especially as far as looks and price are concerned.
This WRX looks like a WRX should look. It is quite aggressive, it gives the impression of having broad shoulders and powerful arms above strong running legs.
MOST OF THE FANCY STUFF
And yet, it looks more like a sedan. Give it a metallic silver grey colour and it could well play along with the Germans in the premium department, despite the scoop on the bonnet and the still hefty, but more realistic, wing on the bootlid.
Don't expect German quality interiors. At the same time, though, it contains most of the fancy stuff one might. But forget all that.
This car is all about the drive, the sound, the handling. The flat four 2.5-litre boxer engine has a sound of its own. It is called a boxer, because, like the old VW Beetle engines, its cylinders are horizontally opposed and each two opposing set of connecting rods run off the same crankshaft journal.
Now let me make it clear that I do not test top speed. Neither have I the technical capabilities or the appropriate venue and have no intention of breaking the law. The fact is, this car is way fast enough in a straight line for any possible emergency or other potential need.
What I do test is roadholding, or handling, together with the engine and chassis's willingness to perform. Thanks to generous torque and suppleness, the WRX can be described as supremely co-operative. Engine, chassis and suspension turn out compositions of choral qualities, and to get this car to misbehave in a corner requires the driver to be really stupid.
COOL AND COMPOSED
The throttle response is brilliant, considering the slight turbo lag you might find if you analyse the response in fine enough detail to see beyond the torque that fills the tiny gap.
At all times, the WRX came across as sure-footed, cool and composed.
In slow traffic, on breezy highway, or mountain twists, this car gives a fantastic account of itself with a calmness that just sold itself magnificently to a sceptic.
Its brutality is obvious, its finesse needs to be discovered.
At R349 000, this car competes with an opposition that might beat it with interior appointments and exterior smarts, but never as a complete performance package.
I love it!
Which Subaru does it for you - the one with the pram handle or the latest mode. Use our Readers' Comments box below and we'll publish your thoughts.