Car buyers in Shropshire are more likely to downsize to a smaller model than exchange for a newer version of their old car, according to a survey.

About a third of would-be car buyers believe good things come in small packages as they cost less and are cheaper to run. Price comparison firm uSwitch.com says more than a third of buyers put fuel efficiency as the top consideration for a new vehicle.

The company’s findings come just one week before the Government imposes an extra 2p on fuel duty.

The firm calculated that the price hike will mean UK drivers spending more than £36 million more on petrol and diesel during September.

Today one Shropshire dealer confirmed the car buyer findings of the survey and said new customers at its dealership were frequently inquiring about fuel efficiency, running costs and similar details.

Dan Black, a sales executive at Rybrook Mini in Featherbed Lane, Shrewsbury, said: “It’s a strong market for smaller cars that are fuel efficient.

“Even though we’re in recession, we’re experiencing a strong market with healthy sales.

“A lot of our customers want the smaller vehicles and they are asking about fuel economy.

“They want to know about running costs, taxes and how many miles per gallon vehicles will do. They’re also looking at smaller engine sizes, as a way to get good value for their money.”

The 2p fuel duty rise will also result in every motorist spending about £29 more in the next year, with drivers forking out an extra £1.16 for every tank of petrol.

USwitch.com said prices at the pump had risen 15.6 per cent in the last six months, with the prospect of an extra 3p a litre being added due to rising oil.

Mark Monteiro, of uSwitch.com, said: “As Chancellor Alistair Darling comes under increasing pressure to scrap next week’s fuel duty increase, the outlook for drivers remains bleak.

“It is not surprising that, for drivers looking to buy a new or second-hand vehicle, size increasingly matters.”

By Andy Richardson