For many people, 1999 sparks memories of simpler times – when CD players, cassettes, and pop-out radios were the ultimate car companion for every drive. That same year, Honda set the stage for a greener future by debuting the Honda Insight, Europe’s first petrol-electric hybrid. Now, as we celebrate 25 years of our hybrid legacy, we reflect on how UK car culture has changed in this time. 

 

We surveyed 1,500 UK drivers to learn how driving habits, music tastes, and opinions on the future of driving have evolved over the years. 

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The evolution of daily commute

Let’s start with the basics: how we use our cars. We found that one in four drivers (25%) still hops in the driver’s seat daily for the commute to work. Younger generations – Gen Z (38%) and millennials (34%) – are the most frequent commuters.

Our cars also play a vital role in how we socialise. Roughly 30% drive weekly to social events, with Gen Z (36%) and Millennials (33%) leading the charge. Londoners are the most socially active drivers, with one in three (34%) using their cars several times a week for social events.

And while road trips may seem like a ‘once-in-a-while’ affair for most Gen X and boomers, don’t tell that to Gen Z. Nearly one in four (23%) enjoys road trips several times a week! Boomers, on the other hand, are more content at home, with one in three (34%) never hitting the road for fun or leisure travel. 

We also love to name our cars

If you’ve ever given your car a nickname, you’re in good company. Nearly one in five drivers (19%) says they’ve done so. It’s more prevalent with younger people, with almost half of Gen Z (47%) personalising their rides with nifty monikers and catchphrases, while most Boomers (87%) prefer to not name their car.

 

Popular names with Gen Z include “My baby”, “my boy” and “the beast”. And for those with a taste for celebrity flair, names like “Herbie” and “Elvis” still get a nod.

How buying habits reflect generatinal shifts

Price still reigns supreme when it comes to car purchases. Nearly half of all drivers (49%) are focused on affordability, especially Boomers (60%) and Gen X (55%). But dig a little deeper, and the gap in generational car trends starts to show.

Gen Z is all about reliability (39%), whereas Millennials keep an eye on running costs (31%). Boomers and Gen X are keen on checking those insurance quotes, with one in four ranking it as a top priority.

Brand and design are also key areas of focus for the younger crowd. Around a quarter of Gen Z (26%) and Millennials (28%) value style, viewing their cars as an extension of their personal brand. But safety and technology still top their list. 

The memories we make behind the wheel

Memorable drives are all about the route, the people we’re with and - of course - what’s on the playlist. Remember those cassette players, CD decks, and pop-out radios? Well, almost half of our respondents do, with 49% reminiscing fondly about them. Unsurprisingly, Boomers (51%) are the most nostalgic for these relics, while digital-native Gen Z (32%) don’t get the appeal.

Maps too evoke fond memories for older generations. Nearly half of Boomers (45%) recall unfolding those massive paper maps on family road trips, while only a quarter of Gen Z (26%) can recall the same. It’s safe to say younger drivers most likely grew up with built-in sat navs as their family’s handy driving guide. 

What's on your roadtrip playlist

Road trips and music go hand in hand. Pop is the most popular genre for 29% of UK drivers, rock comes in second at 18%, while a few outliers (6%) prefer their journeys quiet with no music at all.

Honda’s 50 years of magic playlist reveals the songs each generation considers unskippable.

Boomers love a good rock classic, with Queen’s “Killer Queen” a favourite. Gen X is vibing to Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Want to Rule the World”, while Gen Z prefer more modern hits like Elton John & Dua Lipa’s “Cold Heart.” As for how we’re listening, radio is still holding strong (61%), though streaming is rising sharply, especially for Gen Z and Millennials (60% and 59%).

What the future might hold

As the UK gears up to hit its net zero emissions target by 2050, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are sparking conversation about the future of driving. While younger generations seem to be leading the charge—over half of Gen Z (52%) have already taken a hybrid or EV for a spin—there’s still plenty of

curiosity across the board. Millennials aren’t far behind either, with nearly a third (29%) planning to make the switch to fully electric cars within the next five years.

When it comes to a geographical split, 53% of Londoners have already driven a hybrid or EV. Some in the capital are even planning to move permanently to an electric vehicle as soon as next year. But in areas like the East and West Midlands, many drivers (76% and 78% respectively) haven’t had the chance to try a hybrid or EV.

 

In fact, Andrew Winfield, Product Planning Section Manager at Honda comments: “As we celebrate 25 years of Honda's hybrid technology, it's hard to believe how much has changed in just the last decade. Once optional features, like air-conditioning, have become standard. Same goes for cassette decks, electric windows, alloy wheels, parking sensors transformed our expectations totally.

While the transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) is underway, the timeline for a full adoption is uncertain. During this time, hybrids will play a crucial role, particularly as new technologies appear. Shifting consumer behaviors, especially the rise in car sharing and short-term leasing, shows drivers prefer flexibility to ownership, particularly with the younger generations. The automotive landscape is changing significantly, edged on by technological advancements, economic factors, and shifting consumer preferences."

 

Conclusion

As Honda celebrates 25 years of hybrid innovation, one thing is clear – while our driving habits have evolved with the times, we still hold on to the unique features that make each drive special. From the people to the music, and the nostalgic memorabilia, every era has left its mark on UK car culture. Even as we look to EV and hybrid innovations as the future of driving, our connection to the road as drivers remains strong as ever. 

 

Since the introduction of the Insight in 1999, Honda has continuously pioneered hybrid powertrains. Models like the Insight, CR-Z, and NSX have showcased Honda's commitment to hybrid innovation. Today, Honda’s mainstream automobile range is fully electrified, with Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V all available with e:HEV powertrains as standard. Featuring advanced powertrains that shift seamlessly between EV, hybrid and engine drive with no input from the driver, they all combine exceptional ease-of-use with a rewarding driving experience, alongside highly competitive efficiency and emissions.