The most popular colours of cars, chosen by drivers, across the UK have been found following analysis of DVLA figures by RAC Cars.
Full details of the research can be found here. However, just what does a colour say about the person who chooses it? Van hire and leasing specialist Northgate has attempted to find out by taking a look at each of the ten top colours and delving into their associations and psychological meanings.
Read the insights below and see if they are relatable to you – or a driver that you know:
Colour: Silver (aluminium is also categorised here, though this is a material and not a colour)
Number of cars in 2016: 6,841,315
The meanings of the colour:
- It signals a time of reflection.
- It indicates a change of direction, due to it illuminating the way forward.
Associated words:
- Calming
- Clairvoyance
- Emotional
- Fluid
- Glamorous
- Intuition
- Mysterious
- Prestige
- Purifying
- Sensitive
- Wealth
Colour: Black
Number of cars in 2016: 5,915,527
The meanings of the colour:
- It denotes strength and authority.
- It presents the feeling of perspective and depth.
- It is the colour that represents the hidden, the secretive and the unknown.
Associated words:
- Anonymity
- Depth
- Elegance
- Formality
- Mystery
- Power
- Sophistication
- Wealth
Colour: Blue
Number of cars in 2016: 5,689,516
The meanings of the colour:
- It’s considered beneficial to both the mind and the body.
- It’s the colour of trust and peace.
- It enhances self-expression and a person’s ability to communicate their wants and needs.
Associated words:
- Calmness
- Confidence
- Depth
- Faith
- Harmony
- Intelligence
- Loyalty
- Stability
- Tranquility
- Trust
- Truth
- Unity
- Wisdom
Colour: Grey
Number of cars in 2016: 3,710,965
The meanings of the colour:
- It’s the colour of compromise.
- It’s unemotional and detached.
Associated words:
- Calm
- Composed
- Dignity
- Functionality
- Intelligence
- Maturity
- Modesty
- Reliability
- Safety
Colour: Red
Number of cars in 2016: 3,237,326
The meanings of the colour:
- It’s a very emotionally intense colour.
- It has very high visibility.
- It’s warm and positive.
Associated words:
- Celebration
- Courage
- Danger
- Desire
- Determination
- Energy
- Love
- Passion
- Power
- Speed
- Strength
- Strong-willed
Colour: White
Number of cars in 2016: 2,833,084
The meanings of the colour:
- It has a positive connotation.
- It represents a successful beginning.
- It’s colour at its purest and most complete form.
Associated words:
- Cleanliness
- Coolness
- Faith
- Goodness
- Innocence
- Light
- Peace
- Perfection
- Purity
- Safety
- Youth
Colour: Green
Number of cars in 2016: 1,066,496
The meanings of the colour:
- It’s the colour of nature.
- It has great healing power.
- It’s the most restful colour to the human eye.
- It’s the colour of balance and growth.
Associated words:
- Endurance
- Freshness
- Generosity
- Growth
- Harmony
- Health
- Hope
- Good luck
- Self-reliance
- Stability
- Vigor
Colour: Beige (buff is also categorised here, we will only focus on the meaning of the colour beige)
Number of cars in 2016: 235,683
The meanings of the colour:
- It offers the warmth of brown along with the coolness of white.
- It’s a soft and neutral colour.
Associated words:
- Calming
- Dependable
- Flexible
- Neutral
- Pleasantness
- Quiet
- Relaxing
Colour: Yellow
Number of cars in 2016: 172,297
The meanings of the colour:
- It produces a warming effect.
- It’s an attention-getter.
- It evokes pleasant and cheerful feelings.
- It’s the colour of the mind and the intellect.
Associated words:
- Energy
- Happiness
- Honour
- Hope
- Idealism
- Imagination
- Intellect
- Joy
- Loyalty
- Optimism
Colour: Brown
Number of cars in 2016: 169,656
The meanings of the colour:
- It’s a friendly-yet-serious and down-to-earth colour.
- It’s the colour of material security and the accumulation of material possessions.
Associated words:
- Comfort
- Endurance
- Protection
- Reliability
- Simplicity
- Stability
