Over the last decade or so, four distinct trends have emerged in European motorists' priorities for personal transport. The first is safety -now, very much on the agenda for selecting one model rather than another, whereas 10 years ago this aspect did not seem to be high on the buyers' wish list. Another trend is towards sharing the advantages delivery van drivers have known about for years - a loftier 'in command' driving stance, with a feeling of less vulnerability, combined with more useable and adaptable interior space - in other words, an MPV. Better still, for some, is an SUV, which for some esoteric reason that eludes me, seems to make the average suburban dweller here in the UK anyway, feel even more in command and invulnerable. Yet there is also a growing genuine desire to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources -especially if this can be achieved without.. losing too much accommodation or performance. Finally, we have seen the inexorable rise and sophistication of equipment levels in all classes of car, across the board.
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