Posh drivers prefer Smarts to Volvos - study

A survey has revealed the cars that the UK’s moneyed classes are more, or less, likely to be driving, and it includes some unlikely results.

The survey from swiftcover.com reveals that predictable marques such as Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Audi and Lexus are likely to figure in the vulgar garages of the wealthy.

But, astonishingly, Smart is ranked at number nine in the 2007 list. Honda is 12th, Toyota 16th and the previously-derided Skoda placed at 18th. All are placed above premium marque Volvo, which is placed at 23.

The ‘most likely to’ survey was carried out among those earning above £43,000.

The ‘least likely to own’ list places Proton as number one for the second year running. Surprisingly BMW’s MINI is at third place, falling from 6th on the ‘most likely to own’ list in 2006 making it less attractive to posh drivers than Rover and Kia models.

Craig Staniland, Underwriting Director of swiftcover.com comments: “The car you drive is very much a status symbol and, traditionally, is a clear indication of the money you earned.

“However, our analysis shows that over time, smaller and greener cars are becoming popular with higher income earners, as more of us are recognising the importance of conserving cash and helping to protect the environment.”

The full list of cars likey to be owned by high earners follows:

• 1. Porsche
• 2. Jaguar
• 3. Mercedes
• 4. Lexus
• 5. Saab
• 6. Audi
• 7. Jeep
• 8. BMW
• 9. Smart
• 10. Alfa Romeo
• 11. Volkswagen
• 12. Honda
• 13. Mazda
• 14. Land Rover
• 15. Subaru
• 16. Toyota

High-earners are less likely to own:

• 17. Seat
• 18. Skoda
• 19. Mitsubishi
• 20. MG
• 21. Peugeot
• 22. Renault
• 23. Volvo
• 24. Daihatsu

High-earners are unlikely to own:

• 25. Ford
• 26. Hyundai
• 27. Citroen
• 28. Nissan
• 29. Suzuki
• 30. Fiat
• 31. Kia
• 32. Vauxhall
• 33. Rover
• 34. Mini
• 35. Daewoo