"You feel much safer." And "you get a bit of respect when you drive one of them. People get out of your way that little bit quicker."
These are just some of the explanations from urban owners for buying Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), the large off-roaders that are increasingly a feature in Dublin's rush-hour gridlock.
Many said they like them because they have better visibility and all that extra bulk - and sometimes the bull bars - make them feel safer.
Others choose them as family cars because of the extra space and the good boot size. But for a sizable number, it is the sense of power they get from driving such a physically imposing vehicle that has the most appeal.
Ms Mandy Murphy (23) from Tallaght was bitten by the SUV bug when she purchased her Suzuki Jimny four years ago. Two months ago she bought the bigger and more powerful Suzuki Vitara.
She said she likes SUVs because they "are more sturdy and they look good.
"I drive my parents' car sometimes but I can never see myself going back to a regular car again. You are much higher up and feel much safer in a jeep."
Her friends are also impressed. "One of my friends is just after buying a smaller one of these as well. I think it's the sporty look," she said.
As to her off-road excursions, and use of the highly engineered four-wheel-drive system on her SUV, she said the only time she drives off road is when she goes to the beach.
While she does not find her SUV any harder on petrol than a regular car, Mr Pádraig McLoughlin from Drumod, Co Leitrim, admits his SUV drinks petrol. "It's a bit of a hog on that front," he said." "I only get 15 to 20 miles to the gallon."
However, the good far outweighs the bad. "I like them. They're high up and comfortable and you get a bit of respect when you drive one of them.
"People get out of your way that little bit quicker."
Mr John Nolan (27) lives in Clontarf and bought a Land Rover Discovery SUV earlier this year. "It's sexy and it's a brilliant machine," he said.
He feels a lot safer in it because of the increased visibility but he too finds it very hard on petrol.
While Ms Murphy, Mr McLoughlin and Mr Nolan tend to travel with no more than two people in their SUVs, Mrs Orla Murphy from Dundrum drives her SUV because of its people carrying capacity.
"I didn't choose it, my husband bought it for me. I had a smaller car and we wanted a bigger family car.
"This is safer and more suitable for getting around and there is loads of room in the boot," she said.
For many drivers, the SUV has an irresistible quality they cannot quite pin down.