Wide load: most-popular car models increase in width by 17 per cent

• The bestselling car models have increased in width by 17 per cent in the last 20 years
   

The UK’s bestselling cars are getting broader, increasing in width by 17 per cent in the last 20 years, reveals new research¹ from Direct Line Car Insurance. The insurer compared the 20 top selling vehicles of 2018 and the top 20 most-sold vehicles from 1998 and found that car width is increasing substantially.

Among 2018’s top 20 most-popular vehicles were the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Mini Cooper and Fiat 500, with an average width totalling 1.94m, excluding wing mirrors. When these cars were compared to the most popular vehicles in 1998 (including the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Cavalier, Rover 214 and the Nissan Micra) the average width came in at 1.66m, meaning they were 28cm (17 per cent) narrower.

Like-for-like growth

Further analysis compared the growth in like-for-like models over the last 20 years: the most popular models in 2018 with the exact same model 20 years ago. The Nissan Micra 2018 model is now 22 per cent wider than it was in 1998, 1.94m compared to 1m59cm.

Table one: The ten most popular vehicles in 2018, which have 1998 models

Source: Direct Line Car Insurance 2018

In light of the UK’s cars growing in width, it is important for motorists to be aware of roads with width restrictions and to recognise the appropriate signage. The most-common width restrictions are 6.6ft to 7ft wide², around two metres, marked with unforgiving bollards. Direct Line has uncovered this can affect normal family cars, as the Ford Focus 2018 model is currently 2.01m wide excluding wing mirrors. The Peugeot 208, VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra are all currently on the two metre boundary and drivers will need to be vigilant when using width restricted streets. 

Rob Miles, director of car insurance at Direct Line commented: “This research shows that car shapes have changed dramatically over the past 20 years, though roads remain the same width, so it is becoming harder to manoeuvre modern cars on Britain’s roads.

“With the size of cars increasing, manoeuvres and parking may become more of a challenge. Bumps and scratches happen to even the best drivers, so motorists need to make sure their insurer covers unforeseen accidents*. Motorists who do accidentally hit another vehicle should always make sure to leave their contact details.”

* Direct Line’s comprehensive car insurance cover³ ensures that if a customer’s car is hit whilst parked, their No Claim Discount will not be affected.

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Notes to Editors

¹ Most popular vehicle data (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport/about/statistics) analysed against Parkers Review statistics

² Areas prohibiting vehicles over 2.0m (6’6”) outlined in the Highway Code https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/58170307ed915d61c5000000/the-highway-code-traffic-signs.pdf

³ This will not impact a customer’s Protected No Claim Discount (PNCD), and a claim made under these circumstances and according to the terms and conditions on the policy will not count against a strike on the customer’s PNCD permitted under their cover. Customers will still need to pay any applicable excess, which they can check in their policy schedule.

For further information please contact:

Chloe French 
PR Manager 
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715
Email: Chloe.French@directlinegroup.co.uk

Nick Andrews

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

nick.andrews@citigatedewerogerson.com

0207 282 1050
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting