Women believe men who drive eco-friendly cars are conscientious and intelligent.
There are many reasons for 'going green' when buying a new car, not least helping the environment and saving money on running costs. One factor we may not take into account, however, is how making such a purchase can make us more attractive to the opposite sex.
It has long-been assumed that ladies like a man with either a fast sports car or an expensive luxury motor – but it appears this perception is no longer true.
People are looking to become more environmentally-friendly in all different aspects of their lives nowadays – and this is being stretched to the types of vehicle they choose to buy. What's more, it is the guys who are going down this path who are grabbing the attention of the ladies ahead of those driving away in more flashy motors.
New research from Motors.co.uk has found that women believe men who go for eco-friendly cars – such as the Toyota Prius and the Nissan Leaf – are intelligent, conscientious and safer on the road.
More than 2,000 UK adults were surveyed as part of the study – and it seems the idea of females being more attracted to guys in expensive motors is a common misconception. Despite 48 per cent of men believing that having such a car makes them more attractive to the opposite sex, 53 per cent of female respondents perceive drivers of fast sports cars as arrogant.
What's more, 44 per cent of the women questioned think of these motorists as self-centred and 38 per cent believe they pose a danger on the road.
Guys checking out the latest new car deals may therefore be encouraged to think less about how good a car looks and more about the impression it gives off. By going green, men can project an image of someone who cares not only about himself, but also for others.
Indeed, driving a full-electric or eco-minded hybrid car was shown to be the best way for drivers to make a good impression on fellow road users – and even prospective partners.
Phil Jones of Motors.co.uk said the findings serve up an interesting snapshot of what people think about the drivers of certain motors, explaining some stereotypes – such as the bad boy sports car – still ring true.
He stated: "The disparity between men and women suggests that the yummy mummy 'Chelsea tractor' stereotype might be having a similar effect on men as sports cars appear to be having on women.
"While there is no doubt that owning the Batmobile or a Back to the Future Delorean would be a conversation starter, if you're looking to meet new people, in reality the car we buy is likely to make us feel more confident rather than make other people find us more attractive."
Are you on the lookout for a new partner? Are you on the hunt for a new car? If both of these apply to you, then going green could be the right way to go – not only will you be doing a great deal of good for the environment, but also a great deal of good for your love life.