A YEAR-long survey into female drivers' car-buying habits has lifted the lid on the most popular models and the reasons behind their choices.

There is a clear trend developing with women choosing smaller, economical city cars, sporty hatchbacks and convertibles rather than large family cars or off-roaders. The Mazda6 is the only upper-medium model to make it into the top 10 list, while the Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa top the table.

Motoring psychologist Conrad King, who examined the results, said: 'There are fundamental differences in the way women and men approach buying a new car.

'While men are more conscious of lots of facts and figures, women tend to gauge intuitively whether a particular car will suit their needs and lifestyle. They tend to treat cars as tools rather than toys.

'Men can also be more insecure about the size of their car than women are, as men view it more as a status symbol.'

The top 10 list was compiled by Lex FreeChoice, the personal finance division of Lex Vehicle Leasing.

Women's top 10

Top 10 cars chosen by female buyers over a 12-month period