UK new car buyers are showing big shifts in the factors that they consider when choosing their next vehicles.

Many now opt for 'green' cars as an important consideration, this factor now influencing 20% of buyers compared to only 6% a year ago. The media's message about CO2 and government taxation policies allied to CO2 will be strong persuading points.

However, the demand for gas guzzlers is not only holding up but has shown an increase (during 2006). The number of sales of SUVs went up last year despite the adverse eco-publicity. The 2007 budget may affect future trends for this category of vehicle but if drivers can afford large cars then they can surely also afford the extra road tax. Time will tell.

31% of new car buyers want a car that is economical to run. Only 20% cited this as a factor 12 months earlier.

14% of buyers are looking for a bigger car to accommodate their needs. 11% are going for safer vehicles (17% if you only ask female buyers).

Only 6% are looking for a sporty, sexy car. And as few as 2% want to impress the neighbours, down from 6% 'beat the Jones's' people a year ago.

A What Car? survey has also revealed that 68% of new buyers are looking for diesel engines compared to 28% for petrol.

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