New study from Alfa Romeo reveals the UK’s top turn-ons and turn-offs when it comes to driving habits and dating

• 55% of British drivers believe that the car someone drives reflects their personality, according to research by Alfa Romeo
• Study reveals a clean car (44%) and good driving skills (40%) score top of the list of first impressions when it comes to first dates
• Reckless driving revealed as the top turn-off with 64% of drivers saying it would put them off seeing someone again after a first date
• 11% of drivers admit that their date’s car has been a factor in them not going on a second date with 12% saying they’ve been influenced to date someone because of the car they drive
• Research comes as Alfa Romeo reveals the stylish new all-electric Junior which is capable of up to 255 miles (WLTP) on a single charge
• Junior is available in iconic Alfa Romeo Brera red paint - 61% of Brits say red is most passionate colour while Italian manufacturers most associated with making ‘sexy’ cars

A study conducted by Alfa Romeo has revealed surprising insights into how Brits perceive cars to be reflective of a person’s personality —and the driving habits that can spark attraction or rejection when it comes to dating.

According to the survey of 2,000 UK drivers, more than half (55%) of Brits believe the car that someone drives says something about their personality, and 40% agreed that their own car was an important extension of their personal sense of fashion and style.

When it comes to dating and driving habits, the research found that having a clean car on a first date ranked the highest for both men (39%) and women (49%) in terms of things that would make them want to see someone again after a first date.

Interestingly good driving skills (40%) and playing good music in the car (35%) also featured at the top of the list of most impressive driving etiquette for both men and women, conversely only 10% of male drivers would find someone driving a fast car appealing vs. just 6% of women.

However, bad driving habits can also break a romance - reckless driving was cited as the top first-date driving "ick", discouraging 55% of men and 72% of women from seeing their date again.

Road rage followed closely behind as a big turn-off for over half (55%) of all drivers, while unnecessary horn honking (47%) and driving too fast (46%) were also listed amongst the top turn-offs for drivers on a first date.

For some (11%) the condition of their dates’ car has been a factor in not seeing someone again, with the top reasons being a smelly car (45%) and a dirty car (45%).

The research also revealed that Italian cars were closely associated with passion, as 33% of Brits identified Italy as the leading nation for producing ‘sexy’ cars, while red was listed by 61% of respondents as the colour of ‘passion’. With its distinctive Brera Red finish, the Alfa Romeo Junior resonates with these sentiments, blending timeless Italian design with a bold sense of individuality.

With up to 255 miles of range and advanced EV features, the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica offers the perfect balance of practicality and flair. It also provides an affordable route into premium electric motoring, with finance options available including 0% APR PCP plans and exclusive servicing packages.

For drivers seeking both power and performance, the Junior Veloce trim, equipped with a 280hp motor and limited-slip differential, embodies Alfa Romeo’s DNA—where every journey feels like a passionate adventure.

Brits’ Top 10 Driving-Related Dating "Icks"

1. Reckless driving – 64%
2. Road rage – 55%
3. Unnecessary horn beeping – 47%
4. Driving too fast – 46%
5. Ignoring road signs – 44%
6. Intentional revving of the engine – 39%
7. Playing loud music in the car – 37%
8. Eating smelly food in the car – 34%
9. Driving too slow – 17%
10. Poor parking skills – 13%

Brits’ views of which countries make the sexiest cars

1. Italy – 33%
2. Germany – 11%
3. UK – 10%
4. USA – 6%
5. France – 3%
6. China – 2%
7. Sweden – 1%

ENDS