I’ve been distracted by other chores this week, but I’d be remiss if I were to move on without a parting nod to the Subaru Crosstrek.

Truthfully, it’s such an unassuming little car it’s hard to know where to start.

How about this? With its 8.7 inches of ground clearance (up 3 inches from the base Impreza), the Crosstrek is perfect for those days when the snow piles so deep a normal car turns into a snowplow.

It happens often enough around here -- especially at higher elevations -- that a little extra ground clearance can be a godsend.

Then there are those times when you find yourself wondering what lies down that goat trail marked “Primitive Road.”

With its extra ground clearance and standard all-wheel-drive, the Crosstrek goes places others can’t.

As we’ve already mentioned, fuel efficiency is exceptional (23/30 with the 5-speed manual; 25/33 with the optional CVT) and the price of entry ($22,000-plus) is attractive.

Just don’t expect fancy. Subaru doesn’t do fancy. Subaru does utilitarian, which is the point of the enterprise.

We'll leave it at that. Watch for a full review Dec. 29.

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