What does your car say about you?
We use YouGov’s Profiler tool to see if associations people make with certain car brands are fair
What do our cars say about us? It’s true certain stereotypes are applied to makes and models, and UK drivers can’t help judging each other on the road.
The associations a car holds are considerations when buying, too. Youngsters might not want to be seen in a model linked to older drivers, while men might shy away from cars perceived to be run mainly by women.
But we wanted to know if these stereotypes were fair and correct. To find out, we’ve analysed data from YouGov’s Profiler app. It polled thousands of people to compare what owners of cars from different brands were more likely to do with their spare time and where they were more likely to come from. And from this data, we’ve taken some of the biggest-selling manufacturers in the UK to find out what separates them...
Volkswagen
VW drivers’ political view is more likely to be dead centre, and you’ll find them shopping at John Lewis. Alternative rock band Elbow will be on the stereo.
Gender: MaleAge: 40-59Region: WalesProfession: BusinessSports: Rugby union Hobbies: Trekking/hiking Shops at: Waitrose
Vauxhall
You’re more likely to find a Vauxhall driver walking his dog before catching the FA Cup football at the weekend. More likely to bank with Lloyds.
Gender: MaleAge: 40-59Region: East AngliaProfession: Home and Garden Sports: Rhythmic gymnasticsHobbies: DIYShops at: Asda
Toyota
Toyota drivers are more likely to attend a religious service before eating a Sunday lunch of fillet steak. They’re big Bond fans, too.
Gender: MaleAge: 60-plusRegion: South coastProfession: Healthcare and medicineSports: Touring car racingHobbies: GardeningShops at: Waitrose
Skoda
Not only are Skoda drivers more likely to own a dog, they also have an untidy car. Expect to find them eating the thick Scottish soup Cullen Skink as they read The Daily Telegraph.
Gender: MaleAge: 60-plusRegion: Northern ScotlandProfession: Military and DefenceSports: SailingHobbies: Trekking/hikingShops at: Co-op
Renault
Unsurprisingly, Renault drivers are likely to enjoy trips to France and listening to Take That – if they can find someone to look after their cat.
Gender: FemaleAge: 40-59Region: East AngliaProfession: EducationSports: CyclingHobbies: DIYShops at: Aldi
MINI
MINI owners are more likely to own a cat and take an interest in fashion and design. They’ll tuck into a cheesecake for dessert before watching a Lost boxset.
Gender: FemaleAge: 25-39Region: LondonProfession: Advertising/marketingSports: TennisHobbies: ExercisingShops at: Waitrose
Ford
Ford drivers are more likely to enjoy a lamb curry, and you’ll probably find a Paul McCartney album in their car’s CD player. They’re more likely to read The Sun, too.
Gender: MaleAge: 40-59Region: East AngliaProfession: ManufacturingSports: GolfHobbies: DIYShops at: Morrisons
Audi
Audi drivers going on holiday will more likely be found on a British Airways flight wearing their latest Paul Smith outfit while watching a Bradley Cooper film.
Gender: MaleAge: 25-39Region: LondonProfession: BusinessSports: CyclingHobbies: ExercisingShops at: Waitrose
Citroen
Most likely to be seen walking their dog or perhaps eating a crêpe, Citroen drivers also take an interest in all things French as well as being big petrolheads.
Gender: MaleAge: 60-plusRegion: North EastProfession: ConstructionSports: DecathlonHobbies: PhotographyShops at: Aldi
Do the YouGov Profiler's car brand owner profiles ring true? Let us know what you think in the comments section below...
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