Latest news with #Motorway
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Are you a passenger princess? Psychologist reveals what your car seat choice says about you
Heading off on a road trip this summer? Your choice of car seat could say a lot more about your personality than you might think. That's according to behavioural expert, Dr. Martha Newsom, who has teamed up with Motorway to reveal the 'five distinct car seat personalities'. Find out whether you're the 'wildcard', 'people pleaser' or 'mysterious' member of the road trip group... The Cruise Commander - Driver's Seat The driver of the car is known as the 'cruise commander', according to Dr. Martha. She says this person tends to 'like being in control', adding that they're 'practical', 'reliable in a pinch' and prefer 'structure over spontaneity'. This personality tends to see themselves as more 'diplomatic' and 'decisive' than other people. Dr. Martha says: 'While they might see themselves as diplomats, their focus on logistics may accidentally overlook the emotional needs of others. 'They often enjoy solitude and may find it hard to relax if they're not in charge. Letting go a little could help them rediscover the fun side of road trips.' The Passenger Princess - Front seat Known as the 'passenger princess', the person in the front passenger seat tends to be 'people pleasing' and 'overthinking', says Dr. Martha. She explains: 'Passenger Princesses like leaving their travel worries to someone else, often because they're too busy empathizing with other people's problems, as this gives them a sense of safety, easing their tendency to overthink.' Passengers Princesses generally prioritise 'comfort, beauty and little luxuries' over 'practical choices'. This kind of passenger is generally 'accommodating at a surface level' but 'likely to be quietly assertive about looking after their own needs', warns Dr. Martha. The Backseat Boss - Behind front passenger The passenger that sits behind the person in the front passenger seat is generally 'spontaneous' and 'adventurous', according to Dr. Martha. She reveals: 'Backseat Bosses are our wildcards - one moment they're the life of the party, the next they're deep in their own world.' Backseat Bosses are the most likely of all the passengers to spend the 'journey meditating'. Dr. Martha adds: 'They thrive on spontaneity and are romantics at heart, seeing daily life as part of the adventure, not just a means to the end. With them, anything could happen.' The Tranquil Traveller - Behind the driver Tranquil Travellers are 'organised' and 'calm', says Dr. Martha. They tend to like to 'disconnect completely' during the drive with 'headphones', according to the expert. She says: 'Though they seem passive, there's a quiet competitiveness in them, and they aren't shy to express their discomfort.' This passenger is the least likely to enjoy driving and tends to have a 'competitive edge', says Martha. She adds: 'They value peace, comfort and the right to retreat on their own terms - but shouldn't be perceived as lazy, as they may be selective with their energy or struggle with overstimulation at times.' The Middle Seat Mystery - Middle seat This is the most mysterious of all the passengers says Dr. Martha as it's a very unusual choice of seat. The behavioural expert explains: 'Those few that snap up the precarious spot, do so proudly.' Nearly half of middle seat passengers 'see themselves as leaders' and they are 'most likely to chat with everyone in the car'. Dr. Martha says: 'They call the shots on where to stop and often ride with colleagues, showing confidence in social and workplace dynamics. 'Their boldness even extends to being the first to fall asleep mid-journey - comfort clearly isn't a concern when you're at the centre of the action!'
North Wales Live
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Psychologist claims car seat choice says a lot about you
Where you choose to sit in the car could say more about your personality than you think according to psychologist Dr Martha Newson. Research reveals that our seat choice could explain our social habits and personality types. Two in five opt for the driver's seat and a third admit they would rather travel by train than sit in the passenger seat of someone else's car. Two in five claim they'd never sit anywhere except the front passenger seat. The back seat is the preferred seat for a rare 7%. Dr Newson said: 'Where we choose to position ourselves on a road trip speaks to both our practical instincts and our social style. Some tend to crave control, like the Cruise Commanders behind the wheel, while others, like the adaptable Backseat Boss, lead from the sidelines. These patterns aren't random – we tend to choose the same seat again and again because it gives us a sense of identity, comfort, or control. Whether it's about literally being in the driver's seat, emotional space, or a desire to stay in the background, our seat reflects how we navigate shared experiences. So the next time you share a car journey with others, it's worth thinking about what your preferred seat might say about you and your fellow passengers, to help make for a memorable road trip this season.' Only 1% of Brits choose the middle seat at the back as their preferred spot. Naomi Walkland, CMO at Motorway said, 'At Motorway, we know that cars are about more than just getting you from A to B. They enable so many of life's magical moments, from school runs to summer road trips and staycations. As Brits prepare to pack their boots and hit the road this summer, we're encouraging everyone to find out what their seat choice says about themselves and their fellow passengers – and it might even help everyone to enjoy the magic of their car ownership journey a little more.'
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Psychologist claims car seat choice says a lot about you
Psychologist claims car seat choice says a lot about you People tend to choose the same place to sit in a car Where you choose to sit in the car could say more about your personality than you think according to psychologist Dr Martha Newson. Research reveals that our seat choice could explain our social habits and personality types. Two in five opt for the driver's seat and a third admit they would rather travel by train than sit in the passenger seat of someone else's car. Two in five claim they'd never sit anywhere except the front passenger seat. The back seat is the preferred seat for a rare 7%. Dr Newson said: 'Where we choose to position ourselves on a road trip speaks to both our practical instincts and our social style. Some tend to crave control, like the Cruise Commanders behind the wheel, while others, like the adaptable Backseat Boss, lead from the sidelines. These patterns aren't random – we tend to choose the same seat again and again because it gives us a sense of identity, comfort, or control. Whether it's about literally being in the driver's seat, emotional space, or a desire to stay in the background, our seat reflects how we navigate shared experiences. So the next time you share a car journey with others, it's worth thinking about what your preferred seat might say about you and your fellow passengers, to help make for a memorable road trip this season.' Only 1% of Brits choose the middle seat at the back as their preferred spot. Article continues below Naomi Walkland, CMO at Motorway said, 'At Motorway, we know that cars are about more than just getting you from A to B. They enable so many of life's magical moments, from school runs to summer road trips and staycations. As Brits prepare to pack their boots and hit the road this summer, we're encouraging everyone to find out what their seat choice says about themselves and their fellow passengers – and it might even help everyone to enjoy the magic of their car ownership journey a little more.'
Telegraph
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Which dependable hatchback is best to replace an unreliable one?
Dear Alex, I'm tired of my 65,000-mile, 2016 Peugeot 308 breaking down. I would like to replace it with a used car – possibly a Hyundai, Kia, Toyota or Mazda as I've heard they're reliable. I need a manual petrol hatchback with five doors, that can handle my 80-mile round-trip commute, no more than four or five years old (and ideally not a Ford with an EcoBoost engine, as my garage says these have wet timing belts like my Peugeot, which bitter experience tells me can be troublesome). What can I get for £15,000? Should I trade in the Peugeot, or sell it via We Buy Any Car, mindful of the fact they may haggle my online quote down when I turn up in person? – SN Dear SN, I'll deal with your second question first: it depends how easy you want to make the transaction. Trade-ins are favoured by a majority because they're the most hassle-free option – turn up in your old car, drive your new one away. Of course, for this reason, you'll also get the lowest value for your car. We Buy Any Car will usually give you a little more, but not much – and they always caveat their quotes with the proviso that they may reduce the price when you arrive. This is, to be fair, not unreasonable; many buyers won't be entirely truthful about – or even aware of – any damage, so the company has to have some room to manoeuvre. The same goes for Motorway, which operates a little differently; it's effectively an auction platform for dealers buying your car, where We Buy Any Car will buy it from you directly. You tend to find this means you get more money again via Motorway – although be aware that any dealer will probably spot undocumented damage instantly when they pick up the car and may still haggle you on price over something you hadn't mentioned. The way to get the most for your car is to sell it privately. Fewer and fewer people favour this option, as the hassle of time-wasters, showing people around, haggling and handling cash can be exasperating. What should replace your Peugeot? My top pick for your budget is the Honda Civic. The 1.0-litre turbo model has a perky engine that delivers excellent fuel economy, plus a high-quality interior with plenty of space, especially in the boot. The Civic should feel stable and secure on the motorway and comfortable enough to spend 80 miles in each day. And it has an excellent reputation for reliability. Your budget is enough to get a one-owner 2021 SR with only 22,000 miles and a full history, like the one I found for £14,995. The value option is a Kia Ceed. It is a little on the bland side and the interior isn't quite as smart as the Honda's but you get a slightly newer car for your cash, as well as more equipment. What's more, the Ceed should prove comfortable enough for your usage, although GT-Line versions with larger wheels are best avoided due to a firmer ride. Instead, go for a 1.5 T-GDi 3 like the one I found, a 2022 example with 27,000 miles. A car like this will still have the balance of its seven-year manufacturer warranty remaining – so, in this case, you'll get four years' worth of cover. That should help with your peace of mind.
