What Women Want From A Car!

We get a refreshing perspective on what women should look for from the test-drive of a car. While buying a car, there are considerable similarities between what men and women look for

- Kimaya Hinduja

CARS THAT HAVE BEEN designed to appeal to women in the past have been extremely stereotypical and, therefore, failed miserably in their attempt to do so. The Dodge La femme is a perfect example of the kind of car women aren't looking for. The two-door sedan painted shades of lavender, pink, and white to convey "femininity" came with matching accessories, including a face-powder compact, lipstick case, change purse, and a pink raincoat and hat. The car was marketed heavily based on its visual appeal and the fashion accessories that came with it, and not in any way for its functional use, making it seem almost disparaging and extremely condescending towards women.

The Consumer Reports' auto survey conducted in 2015 showed that what women really expect from the vehicle they buy are safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It proved that women's needs are similar to those of men and are based on the performance of the vehicle rather than other superficial aspects, though the features that appeal to women might differ slightly from those that appeal to men owing to nuanced perspectives and values. Based on these findings and other empirical evidence, the following list includes practical features that women should look for, from the test-drive perspective of a car, that ensure environmental sustainability, overall safety, comfort, practicality, and versatility.

HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE SEATS