It would seem that big chunky cars are a symbol of luxury in automative design. Like that new big chunky Chrysler 300C that they keep advertising on SBS on Saturday nights — a snip at $54K for the base model — it might just beat the luxury car tax.

It looks like a big fat capitalist’s car. There’s been one hanging about in my street recently each weekend, driven by a big fat real estate agent.

Something about it, especially the design of the big fat front, says “Feck you, little people, I’m from the big end of town”, and suggests no mercy for any pedestrians it might hit. (So far there’s no rating for it on How Safe Is Your Car*).

It also has the look of totally rejecting any hint of aerodynamics. “I don’t care if crude oil’s breaking record prices, I’m going to burn it like there’s no tomorrow.” I couldn’t actually find any fuel consumption figures on the Chrysler web site… which seems to suggest economy is not a selling feature. But the Green Vehicle Guide says it’s around 11-14 litres per kilometre 11-14 litres per 100 kilometres, or about 3 times a Toyota Prius, though no worse than a Ford Territory. And the diesel variants fare better.

I noticed on the news the other night it showed Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan driving up to Parliament House in a Prius. I wonder if he really believes in fighting climate change, or if it’s just for show.

*I can never remember if it’s My or Your. The TAC really should have also registered howsafeismycar as well.