When it comes to our cars, black is the new white

BLACK has overtaken white as Britain’s favourite new car colour for the first time in five years.

More than half a million black cars were registered last year, according to figures released today.

Despite being harder to keep clean, white had been the number one choice for four consecutive years, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders say.

But it has now fallen to third place, with 482,099 sold in 2017 — behind grey in second spot with 500,714 sold.

Amid the anti-pollution crackdown on diesel, drivers are increasingly agonising over the type of engine they go for – whether it be petrol, hybrid or electric.

But picking the colour remains a key part of the car buying process. And the figures

prove drivers are more conservative in their choice than they used to be, with monochrome shades dominating the chart.

Almost 60 per cent of the 2.54million cars registered last year were ordered in black, grey and white.

Only 10,301 yellow and 26,834 green cars were registered, suggesting buyers are keeping an eye on re-sale values.

Back in the Nineties motorists were more partial to standing out. Blue was the most popular colour for new cars in 1999, while green was the favourite in 1996.