Choosing a car colour can be a tricky decision, with the option of traditional colours along with more vibrant shades. Car lease comparison site Moneyshake spoke to two colour psychology experts, colour psychologist and consultant, Suzy Chiazzari and colour specialist, Matthew Reacher to reveal what certain car colours say about the owner’s personality traits and their driving style.
Grey
Grey cars are extremely popular, and according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for new car registrations in 2021, grey cars were the most common, making up a quarter of new cars in the UK last year. According to Matthew, grey cars are “likely the choice of an introverted personality that has a strong priority for aesthetics and style.” With Suzy adding that people who drive grey cars are usually “self-reliant and independent, as well as careful drivers.”
Black
A Black car is a timeless classic and black was the second most popular car colour registered last year. Suzy describes black car owners “likely to feel safe and be in control, which makes them forceful and decisive drivers.” Matthew adds that “black cars are often seen as high status and professional, which could be a motivation for choosing black.” He also comments that extroverts might choose them as they “tend to be focused on status, and generally how others see them,” whilst for introverts to “fulfil their need to remain unseen. They may also have a strong interest in appearances and appreciate beauty; this will be due to personal taste rather than trying to impress others.”
White
White cars are also popular among drivers, with Matthew mentioning that “white is the colour choice of an extrovert, as it’s one of the most noticeable colours for a car” and that the driver is also “likely to be a perfectionist. White is additionally associated with simplicity, which could indicate a desire or need they have.” Suzy adds that “white car owners have an enigmatic personality, meaning that they can be a bit of a chameleon, with an unpredictable driving style.”
Blue
Looking at more colourful options, blue cars are the most popular non-monochrome colour according to SMMT’s figures. Matthew comments that owners of dark blue cars “tend to be practical and serious; which would also likely mean they don’t care that much about the colour and are more focused on the functionality of the car.” As the blue gets lighter, it becomes almost the exact opposite. “Lighter blue cars would lean to a more creative, unconventional, and non-conformist temperament.” Suzy also mentions that blue car owners “make reliable and courteous drivers.”
Red
Red is a bold and noticeable colour with Matthew commenting that “the choice of a red car is likely to be that of an extroverted, out-going personality who isn’t afraid of social attention. These people are confident and competitive.” Suzy adds that red car owners are “strong-willed and full of energy so they enjoy safe but speedy driving.”
Silver
Silver cars look sleek, whilst remaining not too overstated. Matthew believes that drivers may choose them due to them being “a practical, perhaps safety conscious choice due to its high visibility. It all suggests a priority for practicality and functionality over other motivations.” Suzy also comments that drivers of silver cars “are sensitive souls and like to blend in with the crowd, so are careful drivers.”
Green
Green cars have seen a recent increase in popularity, according to SMMT’s figures, with a 24% increase in new registrations. Matthew describes owners of green cars, particularly dark green shades as “people that focus on traditions and conventional norms. These people tend to gravitate to the outdoors and enjoy nature.” For lighter green shades, they have “a desire to be unique and are likely creative and imaginative.” Suzy adds that green car drivers are “easy-going” and are “relaxed, confident drivers.”
Orange
You don’t see many orange cars on the road, with Matthew believing that due to this, a person driving one “would strongly suggest a desire to be unique. They are serious non-conformists who value their individuality and won’t be the ones following the crowd. They’re probably also highly creative.” Suzy also describes orange cars drivers as “fun, friendly and sociable who are open to car-sharing and use their car as a talking point.”
Yellow
With less than 1% of the new cars being registered as yellow, this colour isn’t too common. Matthew discusses that drivers of yellow cars prefer “uniqueness and novelty, rather than being part of the crowd, conforming or looking to gain attention. These people are often very spiritual and imaginative.” Suzy also adds that yellow car drivers “are happy, optimistic and like to be the centre of attraction,” and the choice of car colour is “a personal statement.”
Pink
Pink cars continue to remain rare in the UK. Due to this, Matthew believes that they are “likely to be chosen by an expressive person that extroverts their emotions. Pink is also associated with many feminine traits such as compassion, empathy and being emotive. These associations could reflect their personality.” Suzy also describes pink car drivers as “loving, sensitive and caring, so are considerate and competent drivers.”
