For the seventh consecutive year, grey has topped the list as the most popular new car colour in the UK, according to data from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). However, Renault is calling on car buyers to add a splash of colour to Britain’s streets and brighten up the nation with bolder choices in 2024.
A recent Renault survey highlights the emotional impact of colour on Britons:
- 69% of respondents say colour positively influences their mood.
- 43% associate bright colours with happiness, while 35% link them to boldness and 34% to joy.
- 20% admit seeing a brightly coloured car makes them smile.
- 14% think drivers of vibrant cars have fun personalities.
Renault 5: A Colourful Icon Returns
Renault is leading the charge with its newly launched all-electric Renault 5, a modern reinterpretation of the beloved classic. Available in bold shades like Yellow Pop! and Green Pop!, the R5 aims to inject vibrancy and positivity into UK roads.
"Britons are famously conservative with car colours, but the Renault 5, with its two Pop! colours, is here to bring a bit of joie de vivre to the streets," said Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault UK. "Our research shows that adding colour not only brightens up the roads but also brings joy to those who see it."
The Renault 5 builds on the legacy of the original model, produced between 1972 and 1985, which sold 5.5 million units worldwide. Its contemporary reimagining has already earned prestigious accolades, including Top Gear Car of the Year and Car of the Year 2025, awarded by 60 leading automotive journalists across 23 European countries.
The Fun Factor: Yellow Cars and the ‘Yellow Car’ Game
Renault’s survey also revealed that 20% of Britons play the “Yellow Car” game on road trips, making vibrant vehicles a source of fun for drivers and passengers alike. The tradition, which dates back over 400 years to the rapeseed oil trade, could see a revival with the arrival of the Yellow Pop! Renault 5.
Despite this playful connection, nearly 65% of Britons have never owned a yellow car, suggesting plenty of room for a shift toward more vibrant choices.
A Car for All Tastes
For those who prefer a more traditional palette, the Renault 5 is also available in Arctic White, Diamond Black, and Midnight Blue. Orders are now open, with the first cars set to hit UK roads in April.
