Fuel economy is now the most important factor motorists take into consideration when hunting for their next car, according to ContractHireAndLeasing.com.

A survey of 398 web users, consisting of a mix of business and personal car leasing customers, found that fuel economy was rated as very important by almost half (47%) of respondents.

This even beat fuel type (diesel or petrol car etc.) as a consideration, which just 35% rated as a very important consideration, taking second place. VED rate, which is determined by CO2 emission level, came in third place, rated as very important by 27%.

In contrast, the colour of the vehicle was deemed to be the least important factor by 11% of respondents.

Other options included Benefit-in-Kind rate, transmission, CO2 emission level, performance, standard spec and quick delivery.

That fuel economy should top all of these shows how consumer focus is shifting, helping to push the car industry to new heights of efficiency.

According to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the fuel economy of the average new car registered in the UK so far in 2014 is now 57.4mpg compared to 54.5mpg just two years ago in 2012, showing how economy figures are creeping up.

ContractHireAndLeasing.com's managing director Dave Timmis said: "Motorists are savvy and are looking for cars which won't squeeze their wallets when they get to the pump.

"This is becoming the most important consideration to consumers as they are aware of the ever-increasing price of a litre of fuel and are expecting more and more from their cars.”  

 

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Very Important	Not at all Important	Not applicable
Fuel Type	35%	45%	15%	3%	2%
Fuel Economy	47%	42%	9%	1%	1%
CO2 Emissions	22%	42%	24%	10%	2%
VED Bands	27%	42%	22%	6%	3%
Benefit-in-Kind	14%	31%	29%	9%	17%
Transmission	26%	45%	21%	6%	2%
Colour	16%	42%	29%	11%	2%
Performance	25%	53%	16%	4%	2%
Stand spec	24%	52%	19%	3%	2%
In Stock/Quick Delivery	26%	50%	19%	3%	2%