WOMEN & THEIR MOTORS

WORDS: ROSEMARY DELANEY

What exactly do women want in a car? A recent survey completed by Sheila’s Wheels (that unique UK insurance company that targets female motorists) would lead us to believe that women are using their cars as an additional storage facility. Yes, not content with their wardrobe size, female motorists are packing spare outfits, makeup and stilettos in their trunks in anticipation of that impromptu GNO (good night out) after their working day.

Not this gal though. I’m more your ‘kitchen sink’ driver who has managed to defy all logic and pack my numerous files, out of date newspapers, parking receipts, booster seat and dusty golf clubs into my two door sporty convertible. Yes, the boot that should really only fit my soft top has miraculously expanded to include a host of non-essentials as well as the all-important spare tyre (not bodily I hasten to add).

I love my car. In fact I’ve always loved cars. At the ripe age of 12, I used to plague my older brother to teach me to drive. By 17 I had passed my test (first time, ladies) and by 37 (did I say 37, I meant 27!), I had bought the car of my dreams – my CLK. Of course, events took over and another addition came into my life of the crawling persuasion! With baby came serious transport challenges and much back ache as I refused to give up my two-door status for a more practical four-door model.

I soon discovered that my motor came with all kinds of accessories. My new bundle of joy soon sat playfully in a leather bucket seat, suitably branded … yes, Mr. Merc knows all the tricks of the trade to keep this working mum happy. But surely I can’t be alone!

With women’s purses packing a bigger punch in consumerland, it’s not surprising that we are becoming far more discerning about what we buy. But are we being taken seriously?

While Thelma and Louise sought top-down glory in a light blue ’66 Ford Thunderbird convertible, it would appear that women today look for a bit more vroom under their bonnets and a bit more steel overhead.

TIP

• When you are in your car seat, and your legs are comfortably touching the pedals, your wrists should be touching the top of the steering wheel easily, so you are not over extending and damaging your neck! This is a quick guide so you take care of your posture ladies!!

Read more about Women & Their Motors in the June | July 2008 issue of WMB, on newsstands now