Well-paid Brits pick Porsche

Porsche has been crowned King of the 'Rich Cars' for a second year running, thanks to swiftcover.com. After trawling data from 2.7 million quotes, researchers at the car insurance firm have revealed the top ten vehicles which Britain's highest earners – those whose salaries exceed the £43,300 threshold for full income tax - are more likely to be driving than the rest of us.

German auto makers, considered by many to offer the ultimate in comfort and engineering, continue to dominate the 'Rich Car List', with Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Porsche all appearing in the top ten. However, 2007 has also seen a surge in the popularity of Japanese vehicles among the UK's highest earners. Brands such as Honda and Toyota, placed 12th and 16th respectively, are for the first time within striking distance of the top ten, and luxury brand Lexus has risen five places since 2006 to occupy the number four spot.

Another surprise entry came in the shape of the Smart car, which fills ninth place in this year's list. Highly praised for its fuel economy and green credentials, its inclusion on the 'Rich List' could represent a change of mindset for Britain's high rollers.

According to Swiftcover's Craig Staniland, “The car you drive is very much a status symbol and, traditionally, is a clear indication of the money you earned. However, our analysis shows that over time, smaller and greener cars are becoming popular with higher income earners, as more of us are recognising the importance of conserving cash and helping to protect the environment.”

Not all small cars have fared so well as the Smart, however. The BMW Mini, which once (in 2006) occupied sixth place on the 'Rich Car List', has since dropped 28 places in the space of a year – making it the third 'least likely' car to be driven by British high earners in 2007.

Swiftcover's 2007 'Rich Car List'

1. Porsche
2. Jaguar
3. Mercedes
4. Lexus
5. Saab
6. Audi
7. Jeep
8. BMW
9. Smart
10. Alpha Romeo

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