One word I would never have thought to associate with Americans is pragmatic.

I mean, if a nation can be on the verge of electing a dingo-crazy bloke with a dead cat on his head as president, then it’s tempting to imagine the rank and file working stiffs of that same nation are likely to be getting about in orange overalls and propeller caps.

But here’s the thing: I’m writing this in Washington DC (and yeah, I’m on my own dime, thanks very much) and I’m seeing a degree of motoring pragmatism that just doesn’t add up. Not when you hold the facts up against the popular notion of your average North American motorist, anyway. And yes, I know DC isn’t wacky old California, but even over this side, they’re crazy enough to sell you pre-mixed watermelon margueritas in cans and misguided enough to call me ‘Sir’.

So where does my (and probably your) carefully constructed (after several decades of US cop shows) notion of American car-culture diverge from the reality of same? Everywhere, I think. For a start, all those civvie-street Hummers? I think I’ve seen one. In fact, I’ve seen more of the military version (the Cut-Lunch Commandos in DC use them to control intersections at busy times).

Audi SQ5

The only Ford Crown Victorias I’ve seen have been literally on their last legs (as in, they won’t be here this time next year) and cab companies and cops are now using Explorers and hybrid Camrys. Big pick-ups are starting to take a back seat to compact trucks, too. About the only sensible thing that hasn’t caught on is the small hatchback although you do see a few locally made Ford Focuses and plenty of Volkswagen Golfs (mainly GTIs).

Volkswagen Golf GTi

And here’s proof the Pragmatista might be winning: I spotted a Ford Mustang in a DC street, same as the one below. Check the tyres; they’re a 235/55 17. That’s what I said: 235/55 17. Okay, they don’t look as butch as a 19 or 20 with a black-belt in Goodyear, but I’m here to tell you they ride a whole lot better on the sort of crumbly, broken streets that DC and New York City have to offer. And that, my friends, is form over fashion. It’s also something you won’t see on an Aussie Mustang. Hey, America: You’ve changed, dude.