6 December 2007
Increasing numbers of UK motorists are looking to buy a super small car in 2008 in a bid to reduce the rising costs associated with driving, according to the AA.
Demand for gas-guzzling 4x4s has fallen from 9% to 4%, the firm claims, with 43% of motorists thinking of turning to compact and cheap-to-run vehicles, on the back of rising petrol prices which have now broken the £1-per-litre barrier.
Forty-five to 54-year-olds lead the way in terms of their desire to buy a super mini car, while more women than men favour smaller cars, at 21% and 9% respectively.
Interestingly, people living in Yorkshire are more interested in buying a super mini car (29%), while Londoners are less inclined at only 8%.
Mark Huggins from the firm said: "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."
Some 23% of those preferring a super mini car say they want it for short trips around town and to the shops.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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