Almost half of drivers believe their car reflects 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.

A poll of 2,000 motorists found drivers of robust SUVs are the most family orientated – with three in five (59 per cent) of these claiming to ‘always’ put their loved ones first.

Half (48 per cent) of hatchback drivers believe they are loyal and reliable, with only a 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 (33 per cent) of people behind the wheel of a 4x4 like to ‘go anywhere, at any time’.

Of those who believe their car represents their personality, many think their vehicle says more about them than their job (20 per cent), dress sense (18 per cent) and even music taste (17 per cent).

A quarter (26 per cent) have even opted for a vehicle which better matched their personality, rather than going for something more practical.

Different car personalities

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’, among other profiles.

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.”