Britain’s favourite car sing-along songs are “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, “Dancing Queen” by Abba, and “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. A poll of 2,000 motorists found 78 percent sing in the car – although only 21 percent of those who enjoy belting out a few numbers think they’re any good.
Other four-wheel-friendly anthems include “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Bat Out of Hell” by Meatloaf, and “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac.
Fittingly, the tune synonymous with Formula One, “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, also made the top 40 – although Gary Numan’s “Cars” narrowly missed out.
More than four in ten (42 percent) who enjoy a croon in the car claimed singing is “essential” to their driving experience, while 51 percent revealed it makes them happy.
However, 37 percent have been forced to listen to tone-deaf passengers or drivers while on the road – likely making their journeys slightly less mood-boosting.
The research was commissioned by Fiat, and was inspired by its all-electric 500 La Prima, which features a JBL audio system.
Following the findings, the Italian car brand has partnered with The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent vocal coach, Annabel Williams, to provide top tips to become pitch-perfect behind the wheel.
Annabel said: “In partnership with Fiat, we’ve revealed what Brits really get up to when it comes to singing in the car.
“There is just something about singing along in the car that brings people a lot of joy – perhaps because you can just go for it, and no-one can hear you.
“I love being able to sing in the car without judgement – unless you have passengers, of course!
“Ultimately, though, singing should be something enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their level. Singing is therapeutic, and always makes people feel better.
“Whatever your ability, I’ve put together five top tips to help you become pitch-perfect behind the wheel in the new all-electric Fiat 500.”
The study also found 16 percent of motorists have been asked to stop singing in the car, while 11 percent have been left embarrassed after being caught crooning.
As a result, 18 percent have considered having singing lessons.
Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) believe music is essential for the optimum driving experience, with 62 percent claiming singing along makes long journeys go quicker.
But 54 percent find driving less enjoyable if they’re forced to listen to music they don’t like – while 65 percent have had arguments over the choice of tunes during a car journey.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study found motorists’ favourite genre of music to sing along to in the car is pop (34 percent), followed by rock (20 percent), and R&B (four percent).
A spokesman for Fiat said: “Our research highlights the joy that singing in a car brings to drivers.
“Clearly, the private sanctuary of a car gives drivers the confidence to hit the high notes, even if people don’t think they can actually sing.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with Annabel Williams to share her in-car singing tips – as it’s near silent on the road, we think it’s a great environment to sing in.”
