Forget horsepower and torque, a new study has pinpointed the vehicles that are terminally lacking in a far more crucial metric: coolness. A comprehensive survey of British motorists has revealed the nation's definitive list of the most unfashionable, uncool cars ever to grace our roads.
The Top Offenders: Britain's Least Cool Cars
Topping the list of motoring misfits is the much-maligned Vauxhall Meriva, a compact MPV branded as the ultimate symbol of a complete absence of style. It clinched the dubious honour with a significant 17% of the vote.
Hot on its heels in second place is the distinctly boxy and polarising Nissan Cube. Its unconventional, minimalist design failed to win over the British public, securing it a spot as a certified automotive faux pas.
The Dreaded Top 10 List
The research, which polled 2,000 UK drivers, resulted in a definitive hall of shame for uncool cars:
- Vauxhall Meriva
- Nissan Cube
- Fiat Multipla
- Renault Twingo
- PT Cruiser
- Skoda Yeti
- Toyota Prius
- Kia Sedona
- Vauxhall Zafira
- Smart Fortwo
What Makes a Car 'Uncool'?
According to the study, commissioned by car subscription service Mycardirect, the biggest factors that condemn a car to the uncool list are its overall shape and aesthetic (52%), a cheap-looking interior (41%), and an odd or silly name (33%).
Other major turn-offs for British drivers include a feeble-sounding horn, garish or outdated colour options, and a lacklustre engine sound that fails to impress.
"There’s no hiding place on the road for an uncool car," said a spokesperson for the study. "While practicality is important, British drivers clearly place a high value on style and perception. Driving a car that's deemed unfashionable can be a real source of embarrassment."
The data suggests that for many, their car is a direct extension of their personality—and nobody wants to be seen as boring or out of touch.
