In the UK, many of us attach huge importance on the car we drive. It reflects our wealth, taste and status. We cherish them like pets – making sure they’re clean, well fed and have a safe place to sleep.

The fact that they’re purpose is to take us from A to B is often clouded by our desire for immaculate alloy wheels, too many seats (seven – just in case!), precious leather upholstery, too much horsepower and flawless paintwork.

The Italians’ attitude to car ownership is different. Certainly in Rome. Amid the ancient landmarks a very modern car culture has emerged.  The city is awash with affordable city cars rather than enormous German luxo-barges. Their cars are transportation tools. It simply carries them to and from work and when they arrive they cram it into the nearest ‘parking space’ – even if it’s smaller than the car.

They don’t waste time polishing out paintwork scuffs, or even reattaching bumpers for that matter. They don’t need to drive around searching for spaces large enough to park a 5 metre SUV and they certainly don’t lose any sleep worrying if someone’s going to open a door into their bodywork.

This gives them much more time to get on with their lives, romancing their girlfriends, buying fashionable clothes and generally looking good.

I can’t help but think they’ve got their priorities straight.