New study reveals which car types are most sought after

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

A new study from car hire company, Europcar, has revealed that practical estate car, while perfect for lots of jobs and moving stuff around, is not the car of choice to create a lasting impression on a first date.

Just one per cent of respondents to the Europcar research said they would choose an estate car when hiring for a special day.

Prestige vehicles, such as a Mercedes-Benz, topped the list for the car to make the best impression at 32 per cent. The street-appeal of sports cars and coupes also made them a top choice to impress for more than one in five motorists.

According to the Europcar research, the younger generation of motorists are particularly critical, when it comes to driving the right car. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of 25-34 year olds said the car someone drives is important when meeting a potential partner.

However, it’s not all about the wheels. Almost half (49 per cent) of all respondents admitted that the first thing they usually notice about someone on a first date is their smile.

Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group, said: “Although we make judgements about people every day, this is magnified on a first date. But our research suggests that a winning smile and a set of prestige wheels with wow factor could make sure there’s a good chance of a second date.”

When it comes to making a lasting impression, more than one in four women prefer the space and celebrity appeal of a limo, whilst a quarter of men opt for the thrill and instant cool factor of a sports car.

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