When you’re out driving on the roads, you’ll notice cars come in all different colours – reds, blues, blacks, whites, greys, and more. But are some shades more popular than others when it comes to what colour car people choose? Research suggests there are indeed trends in popular car colours.
Most Popular Car Colours in the UK
In the UK, black, grey, and silver tend to dominate the roads. Let’s look at the statistics on the most popular car colours purchased in the UK in 2023:
- Grey – 26.8%
- Black – 20.2%
- White – 16.5%
- Blue – 15.1%
Together, the top three neutral and muted shades account for well over half of cars on British roads. More vivid shades like blues, reds, and oranges have much lower ownership rates.
White also remains an enduringly popular choice, coming in at third place in 2023. It is appreciated for its clean, simple look, even though white cars are a nightmare to keep clean in winter when the roads are wet, muddy, and salted.
Beyond the clear favourites, blue is followed by red and then silver. Browns, greens, yellows, oranges, and purples make up just a fraction of cars on the streets. Unsurprising, really, given not many people would actively choose to drive an orange or purple car!
Reasons for Popular Car Colours
There are a few key factors that help explain why black, grey, and white dominate car colours.
Firstly, neutral-coloured cars are appreciated for their versatility and ability to match different styles. They don’t look dated as quickly as bolder paint jobs might. Resale value is also a consideration – muted tones tend to have broader appeal. If you are looking for used cars for sale in Manchester, for example, a car in an unusual paint colour, such as yellow, will have less appeal and therefore be cheaper. If you don’t mind a car that stands out among a sea of grey, black, and white cars, this is one way to pay less for a used car!
Additionally, the manufacturing process favours darker shades. Painting a car black or grey uses less pigment and layers than brighter metallic or pearlescent colours, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Psychology also plays a role. Silver and grey evoke feelings of strength and modernity. Black is viewed as sleek and prestigious. Ultimately, personal preference rules, but neutral tones have very wide appeal.
Small Trends in Colour Popularity
While the most popular car colours tend to stay consistent year over year, there are minor shifts. More drivers seem to be gravitating away from black and towards grey in recent years. There are also increases in ownership for pale blues and champagne hues. Additionally, prestige car brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley report custom colour requests are becoming more frequent, suggesting more owners want to stand out from the crowd.
So while many motorists stick to conventional neutral shades, colour preferences continue to evolve gradually. Car colour trends will be interesting to watch in the coming years.
