The Perfect Man can change a tyre

Europcar, the leader in car hire services in Europe, has conducted a piece of light-hearted research to find out about the driving traits of the perfect man – at least as far as women are concerned! 2,000 women were polled and more than 1 in 5 said they see their perfect man driving a convertible. Audi was the top brand for all types of car. And when it comes to the perfect motoring getaway, 35 per cent voted for a trip along the Italian Amalfi coast in an open top sports car.

A luxury saloon as the car driven by their perfect man was the choice for 21 per cent of women; as was a 4×4. Only 3 per cent picture their ideal man pulling up in an estate. But regionally there were some interesting differences. East Midlands women were most in favour of convertibles at 30 per cent, compared to just 14 per cent of Scottish women making this choice. Perhaps the weather has something to do with it?

A man driving a 4×4 was most favoured by women living in Northern Ireland, at 29 per cent; this mode of transport for their perfect man was least popular for women in the East Midlands at 12 per cent.

Audi was the top brand (18 per cent), followed by BMW with 12 per cent of the vote. Safe and reliable Volvo scored just 2 per cent, but surprisingly, Ferrari and Porsche both ranked low at 2 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

The majority (66 per cent) want their perfect guy to be able to change a tyre and 43 per cent want a man who will fill up their car with fuel. Over half (54 per cent) of women want a man who brings them tea in bed and 53 per cent would like him to laugh at their jokes. But move over James Dean and Humphrey Bogart because 57 per cent want a non-smoker and nearly 50 per cent want a man who can iron his own shirts!

Over half (53 per cent) of women who responded to the Europcar believe their perfect man is someone who travels. And the second most popular car journey with their dream man, after the Amalfi Coast, is a drive through the Scottish Highlands in a luxurious saloon.

“We thought it would be fun to find out what women are looking for in the perfect man”, explained Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group. “And it appears that today’s women want the perfect balance between James Bond’s jet-set style and sophistication, combined with practicality and sensitivity. But whether he plays sport or plays an instrument, most women agree he should be in a convertible – a car that’s says luxury without being flashy.”