Your comment "It's a bright spot on the horizon when the other half announces you've got one in the net, your two-seater has to go and she fancies one of those 4x4 thingummys. She can have her 4x4 and you can have your sports car." is precisely how we ended up with our Mazda CX-7. I have driven (but not owned) other 4x4s and not driven one that handles as well as this. We have some great roads around Northumberland and the Mazda has surprised a fair few hot hatch drivers. Any weather practicality is a massive bonus out in the hoonies, we don't get gritted roads, or dry roads for that matter - generally covered in animal (carcasses and the other), but the car never feels anything but composed. Brakes are really good too, but you are always reminded of the size of the car as you stop from speed. The test fuel consumption is just that. A test. 23/24mpg is much closer to the truth, but the big girl is pretty consistent with these figures. She is also fond of super unleaded. Before buying the car, I was told by a lot of people not to bother with the additional cost of super, but it really does make a difference to the car and your pocket. Practicality for the wee nipper and associated accoutrements is fantastic. Lots of space and an excellent BOSE stereo, even if it is Postman Pat in the CD changer. The reversible boot liner is a great idea, nice to let the plastic take the battering from the buggy, rather than the carpet. I think the only problem we had, is the child seat (non-Isofix) slipping about a bit on the leather. Sorted with a £10 seat cover, and means the seats don't get child seat indentations either. Had the car for 8 months now, and not had a vehicle like this before. I have been stopped by many people asking what it is, what it's like to drive, telling me they like the shape. Had quite a few nice cars before this, but never this attention. Could get used to the celebrity thing. I'm now in my 30s and have not yet managed to keep a car for more that 18 months, as I get bored too quickly. This is my first Mazda, my first 4x4 and could also be the first car to break the 18-month barrier.