Almost half of drivers think their car represents their personality

NEARLY half of drivers think their motor represents their personality – with many believing its colour, acceleration and sound system speak volumes about them as a person.

Drivers of robust SUVs are the most family orientated – with three in five of these claiming to “always” put their loved ones first, according to a poll of 2,000 motorists.

Half of hatchback drivers believe they are loyal and reliable, with only five per cent saying they “live life in the fast lane”.

And 41 per cent of those who own a station wagon proudly declare they are organised. 

In contrast, as many as one in three people behind the wheel of a 4×4 like to “go anywhere, at any time”.

Many think their vehicle says more about them than their job, dress sense and even music taste. 

A quarter of drivers even opted for a vehicle which better matched their personality, rather than going for something more practical.

The research was commissioned by Your Red Car, the online auto marketplace powered by Santander, who also developed a quiz to help drivers reveal their “car personality“. 

The quiz tells motorists if they are in the “Fiat 500 gang”, a kid-centric “Volvo Viber” or likely to be a “fast and furious Porsche driver”, to name a few.

Denton Brock, Head of Your Red Car, said: “A car can speak volumes about you as a person and can often be an extension of our personalities.

“For others, particularly those with children, it can even be an extension of the family – which is why it’s so important to find the right one from both a practical and aesthetic point of view, and one that has that all in important personality fit.”

The study also found 65 per cent of drivers don’t yet own their dream car – which 32 per cent imagine to have a luxurious interior and 23 per cent would prefer to have in their favourite colour.

However, being “fun to drive” is the top characteristic people want from their dream car.

More than a third admitted driving their dream car would mean ticking off a major life milestone.

Of those who already drive their perfect car, nearly three in five said it is “a joy to drive”, while 30 per cent claim it has “all the latest tech”.

It also emerged that when shopping for a used car, three in 10 parents revealed their little ones have influenced their decision on which vehicle to buy.

While kids most commonly wanted more space, one in 10 admitted their child persuaded them to get a certain vehicle because it was ‘cool’.

More than half of drivers “take pride” in how their vehicle looks – spending an average of two hours and 26 minutes each month looking after their motor.

Denton Brock added: “For so many, our car is our pride and joy – so having it look the part is really important. 

“But for those in the market for something new – whether it’s something strong and sturdy for the family, a zippy little motor or in a ‘must have’ colour, you can easily find a wide range of used cars on the Your Red Car site, for a range of budgets and can have peace of mind that all our dealers have been approved by Santander Consumer Finance.”

To see the huge choice of quality vehicles and £75 reward Your Red Car has to offer, go to www.yourredcar.co.uk