A third of motorists would hire a prestige car to make a good impression on a first date rather than an estate, according to Europcar.

Just 1% of respondents to the Europcar research said they would choose an estate car when hiring for a special day, with women put off by the practicality of estates.

Prestige vehicles, such as a Mercedes Benz, topped the list for the car to make the best impression at 32%. The street-appeal of sports cars and coupes also made them a top choice to impress for more than one in five motorists.

According to the Europcar research, the younger generation of motorists are particularly critical, when it comes to driving the right car.

Almost a quarter (23%) of 25-34 year olds said the car someone drives is important when meeting a potential partner.

Reassuringly though, it's not all about the wheels. Almost half (49%) of all respondents admitted that the first thing they usually notice about someone on a first date is their smile.

"Although we make judgements about people every day, this is magnified on a first date," said Ken McCall, managing director of Europcar UK Group.   "But our research suggests that a winning smile and a set of prestige wheels with wow factor could make sure there's a good chance of a second date.”

When it comes to making a lasting impression, more than a quarter of women prefer the space and celebrity appeal of a limo, while a quarter of men opt for the thrill and instant cool factor of a sports car.

Regionally, it is drivers in the North East who believe the car someone drives is important to make a good impression on a potential partner at 44%, compared to just 16% of motorists living in the East of the country. 

Londoners (35%), those from the North West (34%) and the South East (32%) also thought the set of wheels was important for making a good first impression.

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