It’s not about size, it’s performance that counts

More British drivers are looking to buy a super small car in the year ahead with figures doubling since 18 months ago.

At a time when fuel prices have bust the £1 per litre barrier and are still set to rise, demand for 4x4’s is dwindling, according to new research by AA Personal Loans. The percentage of drivers turning to compact, cheap-to-run vehicles has increased by 43 per cent, proving that size isn’t everything for today’s motorists.

AA Personal Loans’ Deals on Wheels study, which explores car buying intentions for the year ahead, has polled a GB representative sample of over 2,000 adults every 3 months since January 2006.

The changing face behind the wheel

The super mini is taking over, and with a more unusual face behind the wheel. Running over the stereotype of middle-aged and older people driving large, comfortable estate cars, one in five (20%)

45 to 54 year olds want a super mini car as their get-around

Women are favouring the super mini cars, with 21% of women compared to 9% of men

23% of those preferring a super mini car say they want it for short trips around town and to the shops.

Gas guzzlers lose popularity

At a time of growing concern over running costs and higher taxes for large cars Brits are steering away from large 4x4s. The latest findings show:

More than a quarter (28%) of drivers are looking for a cheap-to-run car, making this the second most important influencing factor, after the want of mechanical reliability (32%).

The percentage of people considering a 4x4 has dropped from 9% to 4% since January 2006.

London versus the north

The research suggests that Londoners are more likely to buy an off-road capable vehicle for their congested journeys than those in northern rural areas.

Car buyers in Yorkshire are most likely to buy a super mini (29%)

In the north of England and Scotland as a whole, a quarter of buyers (23%) say they want a super mini, compared with just 8% in London. Despite congestion charges, parking problems and stop-start traffic Londoners still seem reluctant to give up their impressive 4x4’s.

In London, 5% say they will buy a 4x4, doing a u-turn on the idea that 4x4’s are designed for off-roading. But car buyers in largely rural Yorkshire, are the most likely to buy a super mini (29%).

Mark Huggins, managing director of AA Personal Loans says: “Our research shows that Britons are putting practicality and cost first. The environmental impact, running costs and practicality appear to be growing concerns, although Londoners appear to be bucking the trend despite dealing with more congested roads.

“About a third of those opting to buy a car in the next year will take out a loan or other finance to fund their purchase. Although interest rates have been rising, the loans market remains competitive and AA Loans are a best-buy. It’s important that buyers spend as much time researching the best finance deal doing the deal on the forecourt.”