New study puts spotlight on Aussie drivers and their cars

A new study has turned the spotlight on Australian drivers, their relationship with their cars, and the bizarre things they believe about each other.

A new survey has turned the spotlight on Australians and their relationship with their cars, revealing a series of “colourful” insights into how drivers perceive each other.

Conducted by YouGov in conjunction with carsales.com.au, the “Car Truths” survey asked more than 1000 Aussie drivers to share their thoughts on car ownership and driver behaviours.

“We know that cars play a vital role in everyday Aussies’ lives – it’s not simply about getting from A to B,” carsales chief marketing officer Kellie Cordner said in a statement.

“We wanted to explore the attributes and driving behaviours of different car types and brands and what Aussies are really feeling and thinking when they’re behind the wheel.

“Car Truths has uncovered entertaining and unexpected truths, which will no doubt have many drivers surprised as to what their choice of car says about them, as well as their family and friends.”

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One in five Australians believes Holden drivers are the most likely to get busted picking their nose behind the wheel. Picture: AAP Image/Mark Brake

Some of the most – or least – surprising (depending who you are) findings include:

• Want to be perceived as sexy? Buy yourself a Porsche – over a quarter of Australians think those behind the wheel of one of the German company’s vehicles are likely to be easy on the eyes.

• To nobody’s surprise, 30 per cent of Aussies think Holden drivers are the most likely to have a potty mouth when stuck in traffic.

• Almost one in five (18 per cent) of people also think Holden drivers are the most likely to get busted picking their nose behind the wheel.

• If you drive a Kia, most Australians believe you’re basically guaranteed to hit the kerb while attempting to reverse parallel park.

• Ford drivers are perceived as unorganised and forgetful – with 18 per cent of people thinking they’re the most likely to forget to renew their rego or insurance; 16 per cent of people think they’re the most likely to drive off with something sitting on the roof of their car; and, bizarrely, 14 per cent of people thinking they’re the likeliest to get the words wrong when singing Fleetwood Mac.

• Just under one fifth of those surveyed admitted to having had their first “romantic experience” in the back of a car.

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“No driver wants to admit to the ever-growing pile of coffee cups in their centre console, or to putting the wrong fuel in their car, but there’s nowhere to hide in the Car Truths survey,” Ms Cordner said.

“We’re putting it out there for everyone to see in a lighthearted and fun format.

“We’re excited to share the key findings, see how Aussies react and create a conversation.”

Originally published as New study puts spotlight on Aussie drivers and their cars