As honest as you like to read it. FWIW, Diamonds and Tecnams are not much better, just not with such a good marketing team.
Truth is, that people who already have a poetic relationship with aviation value aircraft differently to those new to aviation, and that the SR types are designed for exactly that requirement. The loss of interst by aviators is more than compensated by the extention to new markets. So although I know very very few aviators to whom the SRs appeal, I must acknowledge their business capabilities and whit.
I guess there are people who want the best in class and accept mainstream. They’d fly a Cirrus or drive a Porsche.
Then there are those who would rather be different. They may find a parameter that is important to them, obsess over it and find something that matches. Or just buy because something looks good or makes the right noise.
AdamFrisch, AFAIR you like the Avanti. Means you have taste. That’s why you can’t get excited with Cirrus.
Cirrus appeals to me optically. I like the ramp presence. Looks clean, big and sturdy.
It appeals to me because of the chute.
Inside I don’t like it too much. It’s flimsy, doesn’t fly nicely and the ancient avgas engine makes the plane noisy and causes vibration.
A DA40NG is much more enjoyable to hand fly and very quiet. But next to the Cirrus it looks like a mosquito.
I’d go for a DA42 instead of a Cirrus would I buy instead of rent.
In the end most piston singles are the same.
The real difference gets going between piston and turbine. Many people don’t have the time or desire to deal with old planes and go for new and hassle free, spending lots of money (or maxing out their credit). What’s the difference between a new and a 40 year old C172? Not much. What’s the difference between a new C172 and a Cirrus? Utility wise, not much. But the Cirrus looks modern, has a chute and some other bells and whistles.
Cirrus took what’s been available on the market for 50 years, tweaked it and priced it smartly below the turbine class planes. 1 mil vs 3+ mil.
The US market is about mobility in modern, reliable airplanes.
The EU market is about flying patterns in old cans.
Cirrus sells a lifestyle and people pay for it.
Ramp appeal and image sells airplanes too.
The US market is about mobility in modern, reliable airplanes.
The EU market is about flying patterns in old cans.
So that must be why almost all innovative manufacturers are European…
European doesn’t preclude from catering to overseas markets.
Are there more TBMs in Europe or the US?
More DA42s privately flown in Europe or the US?
Etc…
Avanti, yes… 
