‘Driver Power’, an annual survey carried out by the popular weekly motoring title, has revealed that Britons are happier in 2018 with their new cars than ever before. In fact, overall vehicle satisfaction is up this year, with an average score of 90.94%, an increase from 89.83% per cent in 2017. Every single category showed an increase in satisfaction levels compared with last year, proving that we really are enjoying our cars more.
Martin Saarinen, Consumer Editor at Auto Express, said: “The results from this year’s survey show an improvement in driver satisfaction in every single category, as well as a rise in overall satisfaction. The past year has seen some exceptional cars being launched, so it is no surprise to see British motorists contented with their new motorcars. There is still work to be done, though, as new car owners continue to tell us that their vehicles are not exactly trouble-free.”
New car owners have reported increased problems with their cars this year, with 14.36% of those polled reporting one, or more issues, compared to 12.15% in 2017. Of the 75 cars in this year’s survey, the Peugeot 3008 is the one making its owners happiest, with a remarkable 93.88% satisfaction score; a record score compared to previous winners such as the Skoda Superb in 2017 at 93.42%.
Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief at Auto Express, said: “The new 3008 SUV is providing precisely what owners want these days. It has got the SUV style that is in huge demand, but backs it up with a high-quality interior, plenty of space, a great drive and excellent reliability. It’s no surprise that owners love it so much.”
In 2017, the Peugeot 3008 SUV won 38 global awards, but it is the news about hybrids that is making waves this year, with more examples featuring in the Driver Power Car of the Year Top 10 than ever before. Cars like the Lexus RXh (92.99%), Lexus NXh (voted best built car 2018), Lexus ISh (92.19%) and Toyota Prius (93.04%) were rated strongly for engine, gearbox and running costs in the survey.
Now in its 16th year, Driver Power is the largest car satisfaction study in the UK. Drivers with models up to 24 months old were quizzed on all aspects of ownership, including how well their vehicles accelerate and steer, whether there are enough storage compartments and sufficient boot space inside, and if they think their infotainment system is performing as expected. These were just a few of the 31 areas that made up the nine voting categories in Driver Power this year. In total, the survey received more than 80,000 consumer responses for 2018.
Full results of the Driver Power 2018 survey are available at autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower
TOP 10
1. Peugeot 3008 - 93.88%
2. Kia Niro - 93.07%
3. Alfa Romeo Giulia - 93.06%
4. Toyota Prius - 93.04%
5. Lexus RX - 92.99%
6. Lexus NX - 92.90%
7. Kia Sorento - 92.85%
8. Toyota Verso - 92.83%
9. Honda Civic - 92.50%
10. Skoda Octavia - 92.45%
