The unlikely car that makes UK drivers smile the most – not Ferrari or Lamborghini

New data has revealed which one vehicle makes drivers smile the most with Italian supercar giants Ferrari and Lamborghini snubbed. It would be fair to assume that a rich, elegant, powerful sportscar would top the list of models most likely to make road users grin.

But surprisingly, it's one of the smallest cars on the market that receives the prize, with Smart coming out on top. The study from AutoTrader analysed a whopping 47,000 Instagram car selfies to determine facial expressions. Each model was then awarded a ‘Car Happiness Score’ with Smart topping the bill with 88.65 out of 100.

AutoTrader said: “Topping the list with an impressive 88.65, Smart proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to joy on the road.

“Their compact design might be made for city living, but it’s clear that these cars make a big impact on their drivers’ moods.

“There are a multitude of reasons why Smart owners may be among the happiest; they’re zippy, easy to park, and surprisingly fun to drive, so it’s no wonder Smart owners are all smiles.”

Volkswagen was next on the list with the German marque recording a Car Happiness rating of 87.73 out of 100.

AutoTrader said that VW cars were renowned for their reliability and solid German engineering, which has continued to wow road users.

The German brand was also praised by the second hand car marketplace for its “stylish yet practical feel”.

Cadillac was third on 77.83, Audi was next on 77.07 and Toyota followed fifth on 73.34.

Subaru (69.73), Jeep (69.33), Bentley (59.12), Volvo (58.31) and Tesla (58.09) rounded out the top 10.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at AutoTrader, comments: “Whether it’s the drive quality, brand identity, or the simple fact that your car fits your lifestyle, it’s clear that the right car can put a serious smile on your face.

“Here at AutoTrader we share the enthusiasm for cars that so many others do, which is why it’s been lovely to see the rise of #carselfies on social media.

“So, next time you’re looking to lease a make and model that you’ve been dreaming know, don’t just think about fuel efficiency or boot space.

“Think about the car that will make you happy every time you sit in the driver’s seat, which you can find available to lease on AutoTrader.”