Which motoring tribe do you belong to?

It has been widely reported that the impending changes to the motor tax regime that is due to come into force on July 1 have had a dramatic impact on the sale of cars.

The perceived wisdom is that potential purchasers are holding off until the changes in the tax regime come into effect. Many dealers are expecting something of an Indian summer when it comes to sales but there may well be significant changes in the type of vehicles people decide to buy.

This of course is precisely the intention of the legislation. It is designed to make people buy more fuel efficient, less polluting cars. Diesels, hybrids and small cars are in; SUVs, sports cars and executive cars are out. No longer will SUVs be status symbols; big Mercs and Beemers will be socially unacceptable.

That's the hope at least, but in reality the last few years of prosperity have seen the Irish reveal their true colours when it comes to motoring. A car, it is often said is an extension of your personality, reflecting your circumstances, aspirations and insecurities. So which tribe do you belong to?

The Big Man

He's typically aged between 40 and 60 and has a high regard for his own importance. He's not as young as he used to be but still feels he's the man about town. The big man owns the road, has no respect for the speed limit or other drivers and is not as well liked as he thinks he is. He probably runs his own successful business or might be a politician.

What he drives now: A big Merc.
After the changeover: A bigger Merc.

School Run Mum

School Run Mum lives in the suburbs, in an estate that sounds posh but isn't really. She's done well out of the Celtic tiger. Her husband is a middle manager of some description and rarely gets home before 8pm. School Run Mum likes to show the neighbours that we are doing very well thank you, despite the fact that the mortgage payments are becoming increasingly hard to meet. She uses her SUV for the ½ mile trip to the kid's school and to go to Tesco.

What she drives now: A Hyundai Santa Fe.
After the changeover: Something older, and cheaper.

Miss Go-Getter

Miss Go-Getter is an estate agent or sales rep. She's on the way up and doesn't care how she gets there. For her it's all about style, because in reality she hasn't a clue about cars. She pays almost as much on car repayments as she does on renting her chic duplex in town.

What she drives now: A new Mini / new Beetle or a coupe.
After the changeover: If she keeps her job, a Mazda convertible; if not, the bus.