Fashion rather than functionality is the key factor for motorists when buying a car.
According to a survey carried out in Britain, more than two in five men (42 per cent) are most interested in the look and design of a car, compared with only 39 per cent who put performance first.
Design was also the most important factor for 40 per cent of women. Just one in three women and only one in five men picked their car on functionality.
Taking men and women together, 40 per cent went for a vehicle's looks and 35 per cent on its performance, while only 25 per cent were most concerned about the comfort and size of their new car.
A third of car-owners even admitted either owning, or having owned, a car completely unsuitable for them. A similar number said that they had experienced physical discomfort as a result of driving.
"Women are much more practical when it comes to picking a car," says Russell Scott, of Fish4cars. "Women want a vehicle that is suitable for their day-to-day needs. They are more concerned about how the car fits their body shape.
"Cars are built for average people. If you're not average-sized make sure you spend enough time in the car before you buy it, to be sure it's right for you. It's not like a pair of shoes that will get more comfortable with age. If it doesn't fit when you buy it, it never will.
"Head and leg-room are both important issues but if there isn't room for anyone behind you then you're back to square one."
However, only 42 per cent of car- owners said that they would think about buying another model if it could be proven to provide a greater level of comfort for their body type, with women (48 per cent) being more likely to consider a more "functional" alternative than men (36 per cent).
- PA