Auto makers have been quick to figure out that cars aren’t something that only men are interested in buying. Recent figures show that close to two-thirds of all new vehicles sold are purchased directly by women and not just influenced by them. So what do women want in a car? For most, it would be a car that is reliable, has a style they like and is affordable to purchase and operate. Basically, a car that shows good value for money.
What Female Car Buyers Look For?
Studies have shown that women who buy cars are more likely to place an emphasis on fuel-efficiency. This explains why gas guzzlers like the Hummer are mostly purchased by men, while fuel-efficient cars are increasingly purchased by women. Even though women pay a lot of attention to the style of a vehicle to see whether they would like it, they now pay even more attention to features on the car’s interior as opposed to just what it looks like from the outside. Younger women are likely to be interested in specific features, like the car’s sound system, a built in navigation system, or the ability to pair their phone or iPod via Bluetooth.
Which car models sell better among women? Here are 9 cars that women buy more than men:
Volkswagen Beetle
The VW Beetle has been in the top spot as the most popular car among women, which has sometimes led to it being referred to as a “chick car.” The presence of a flower vase on the dashboard actually helps confirm this impression.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan is actually a strong contender for the most popular car among female buyers, with many speculating that it could soon take the place of the Beetle. Women have said they found the car’s design to be “cute.” It is also quite practical and very fuel efficient, which makes it more attractive to women.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson has 55.7% of female buyers. Many women choose this car because of its advanced electronic stability control, traction control, plus built-in iPod and USB connectivity. It has a fuel efficiency of 10.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 on the highway.
Kia Sportage
Smaller SUVs and crossovers tend to be quite popular among women who buy cars and the Kia Sportage is no exception. Available in both 2WD and AWD versions, it has 53.5% of female buyers. The 2WD models have a combined cycle fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km and the AWD models stand at 9.2 L/100 km.
Nissan Rogue
Combining a spacious interior with the agility of a smaller car, the Nissan Rogue is among the most popular crossovers with female buyers. 53.1% of Rogue buyers were female. The car’s fuel efficiency is also very good, with 7.9 L/100 km city and 6.0 L/100 km on the highway.
Volvo V50
Capturing the female market is always a challenge for auto makers, but with the V50, Volvo has gotten something right, as 52.6% of its buyers are women. The car is available in 5 speed automatic and 5 speed automatic with auto-manual. Combined fuel consumption of this model is at 8.5 L/100 km.
Volkswagen Eos
Some auto reviewers have referred to the Volkswagen Eos as a more “mature” version of the Beetle. The Eos has succeeded in attracting the attention of women who want a convertible that is refined without being too flashy. 51.3% of all Eos buyers are women.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V has been very well received by women who are looking for a vehicle for small families. Featuring a roomy passenger compartment and lot of cargo space, the CR-V has seen 50.9% female purchases. It is also one of the most affordable crossovers, which helps its popularity among women.
Nissan Sentra
Many younger women choose small sedans like the Nissan Sentra, which has 50.1% of female buyers. It is very affordable and has great fuel economy, with up to 5.8 L/100 km in the city and 4.9 L/100 km, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars on the list.
Tim Marsh, author of New Cars Plus Car Reviews and Blog, has been covering the car beat for the last 8 years. Tim specialises in finding the best deals on wheels and offering advice on making your car last.