What does it say about you?

There’s also a perception that certain colours reflect more about who we are and also what others think of us.

Red is associated with excitement, energy and passion (think Ferrari) and commands attention. People driving red cars are confident to express themselves and are most likely known to be the life of the party.

Blue is said to convey calmness, reliability and professionalism. People driving blue cars like to express their individuality.

Black shows elegance, sophistication and power (think Blue Light brigades). It is said people driving black cars value order and rules, and tend to be conservative.

White is the most popular colour (think Hilux and Fortuner) and is said to symbolise purity, simplicity and modernity. According to studies, the biggest reason why white is so popular is because it’s a basic color that never falls out of fashion. But it’s also highly likely that people driving white cars don’t like to stand out too much.

Silver and grey are considered neutral and understated and also mask dirt and minor scratches. People driving gray cars tend to be success-oriented while those driving silver show a leader who is flexible rather than authoritarian.

Orange and yellow are associated with energy, creativity and fun such as some of the smaller SUVs on our roads aimed at the younger generation.

Two-tone cars. There’s also currently a trend towards two tone cars aimed not only at the youth market where Toyota, Suzuki, some Chinese brands and Nissan provide that option on their smaller cars but the BMW 7-Series, M and XM can also be ordered with a two tone option.

Technological advances in paint technology have allowed for matte finishes that provide a unique non-reflective look. Colour-shifting paint is also becoming more popular where the colour changes based on the light angle providing an eye-catching appearance.

There’s also the option of custom wraps that allow for customisation without permanent removal of the original colour while off-roaders are also fond of it because it provides protection against the elements in the bush.

car trends

The psychology of car colours: what yours says about you and its practical benefits