British drivers expect to own their dream car at 42, survey claims

One in ten people want a cup holder

Over a quarter of those polled buy the first car they see when shopping for a new vehicle (South West News Service)

The average motorist expects to own their dream car at the age of 42, according to a poll.

However, 37 per cent believe they won't ever own their preferred vehicle.

Many of the 2,000 drivers surveyed specified that their dream car would include features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and sat-nav.

Assisted driving tech such as parking sensors, automatic braking systems and remote start were also listed as important features.

For one in 10, a cup holder is essential.

A spokesperson for Hyundai said: “As the research shows, many of us long to own a truly amazing car but unfortunately a vast number don’t think they ever will.

“Of course, this doesn’t stop us wondering what our dream car would – or will – be like and clearly we have pretty fixed ideas of what our next car would at least have.”

Preferences differ according to age with more 18-24 year olds specifying that they would like features such as Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Those aged over 48 are more concerned with features which improve safety and aid driving such as demisting mirrors, automatic braking systems and parking sensors.

The survey revealed that men and women want similar things when it comes to their next car. However the main requirement for men is air conditioning while for women it is parking sensors.

Over a quarter of those polled buy the first car they go to see when shopping for a new vehicle.

Around one fifth will only look at two cars before making a decision.

The research also identified the factors we take into account when purchasing a new car, with price at the top of the list.

Factors such as reliability and fuel type are also popular among those polled, in addition to fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

It also emerged that there are certain things that annoy people about their current cars, the most common being scratches and dents, size, how much it costs to fill up with fuel and how slowly it accelerates.

Others highlighted issues such as smelly air con, poor visibility out of the rear window and being unable to get the radio to work.

The survey showed that four in 10 have bought a car and regretted it later.

Carried out through OnePoll.com, the research also found the typical motorist has owned six cars with their first one costing £1,596.10 on average.

In contrast, their current vehicle on average costed £11,313.

Those polled will own a car for five years and eight months before getting a new one.

Top 20 features British people want in their next car:

1. Air conditioning
2. Parking sensors
3. Electric windows
4. Sat-nav
5. Spacious boot
6. Digital radio
7. Demisting mirrors
8. Automatic braking system
9. Heated seats
10. Bluetooth
11. Backup Cameras
12. Sound system
13. Cruise control
14. Lumbar Support
15. Panoramic Sunroof
16. Leather seats
17. Cup holder
18. Heated Steering Wheel
19. Remote Start
20. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

South West News Service