Next Car Must Be Fuel-Stingy, U.K. Motorist Poll Says

Fuel economy is the most important factor most U.K. motorists consider when planning to acquire their next car.

A survey of 398 business and personal-car leasing customers by U.K. website ContractHireAndLeasing.com finds fuel economy is rated very important by 47% of respondents. Another 42% say it is somewhat important.

Some 9% of respondents claim fuel price is not an important consideration.

The Automobile Assn. says the U.K. average price for unleaded gasoline in June was 130.5 pence a liter ($8.42 a gallon). At those prices, the survey finds fuel economy easily tops fuel type – diesel or gasoline – as a consideration, which 35% of respondents rated very important.

The vehicle-excise-duty rate, determined by carbon-dioxide emission levels, came in third with 27%.

Availability and quick delivery of the chosen model is rated very important by 26% and as somewhat important by 50%.

The color of the vehicle is considered the least important factor by 11% of respondents.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders data shows the fuel economy of the average new car registered in the U.K. this year is 57.4 mpg (4.1 L/100 km), up from 54.5 mpg (4.3 L/100 km) two years ago.

“Motorists are savvy and are looking for cars which won’t squeeze their wallets when they get to the pump,” ContractHireAndLeasing.com Managing Director Dave Timmis says in a statement.