Whether you're thinking about selling your car or just curious about which designs have stood the test of time, we set out to find which nostalgic models still hold plenty of appeal with motorists, and which newer versions have won the public over.
To reveal which cars have aged the best, we surveyed over 3,000 drivers across three generations to discover the ultimate car model “glow ups”. From retro favourites to modern standouts, the results show how much our auto taste has shifted in the last few decades (and the few designs people wish had stayed the same).
According to our research, when it comes to car aesthetics newer is almost always better. Across 28 popular models, modern designs beat their older counterparts in 96% of the cases. Whether it's a compact hatchback or a family SUV, most contemporary features have won over British drivers of all ages.
And some car designs are unbeatable across generations. Three models achieved over 85% approval for their newer designs across every age group, starting with the SEAT Ibiza. For this undisputed winner, 90.6% of all respondents prefer the newest version of the Ibiza. What started as a boxy, budget hatchback has grown into a more sporty version that has won over young and old alike.
The SEAT Leon comes in a close second with 87.5% backing the modern design. What was originally SEAT's practical response to the ever-popular Golf, the Leon now is an understated but sporty car, and nearly nine in ten drivers are happy with the change.
Meanwhile the newest Volkswagen Polo and Suzuki Swift are tied at 87.03% approval ratings, proving that when manufacturers get it right, almost everyone agrees. Of the two, the Volkswagen stands out for its consistency, where you can park a 1990s Polo next to a 2025 one and still see the resemblance, proving you can successfully modernise a classic without losing the essence of what made it popular in the first place.
As for the Swift, Suzuki intentionally redesigned the 2005 (and onwards) versions to echo European hot hatches, and it clearly worked.
| Rank | Model | % who preferred new model |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | SEAT Ibiza | 90.7% |
| #2 | SEAT Leon | 87.5% |
| #3= | Volkswagen Polo | 87% |
| #3= | Suzuki Swift | 87% |
| #4 | Nissan Micra | 86.1% |
| #5 | Opel Corsa (Vauxhall Corsa) | 85.9% |
| #6 | Renault Clio | 85.6% |
| #7 | Opel Astra (Vauxhall Astra) | 85% |
| #8 | Volkswagen Golf | 83.5% |
| #9 | Renault Megane | 83.3% |
| #10 | Kia Sportage | 83.2% |
While modern designs are preferred overall, our study shows some big generational differences in how we view car aesthetics. Younger drivers, between 18 and 30 years old, are the most enthusiastic about contemporary design: almost three quarters (72.3%) agree that newer cars are more modern and appealing, and two-thirds (66.3%) think car designs are better looking now.
When it comes to the cars themselves, the younger generation leans towards modern premium compacts and SUVs. The Audi A3 gets a big thumbs-up with 88.5% preferring the newer model, along with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 (87.2% like the newest version the most) and Volvo XC90 (86.8%).
Middle-aged drivers (31 to 50 years old) are modern-leaning overall but a hint of nostalgia begins to creep in. Belief that newer cars are more appealing drops, with a third (32.8%) disagreeing with the statement. And almost two-fifths (39.1%) chime in that older designs had more personality.
Whilst one might expect older drivers to be all for the nostalgic versions of vehicles, that's surprisingly not the case. Those aged 51 and older prefer most newer models including the Nissan Micra (vast majority of 51-year-olds and over, at 90.1%, say the newest version is the best looking) and the Toyota Corolla (84.6% prefer the fresh iteration). That's not to say nostalgia is all but lost: a significant 42.4% agree older auto designs had more personality, and 30.2% feel that "older cars have more character and charm" the highest of any age group.
The Tucson 'glow up' came to change perceptions of Hyundai from a value brand to one that could stand its own in the SUV space. And whilst younger drivers embrace the fresh look (84.4% like the newer version the most), older generations prefer the earlier, simpler version.
Other models which split opinion among generations are the Nissan Qashqai (18.6-point gap) and the Peugeot 208 (17.9-point gap). Over time, the Qashqai grew in size and introduced hybrid versions, which have hit the sweet spot amongst the under 30 crowd. Meanwhile the Peugeot 208 went heavy on the styling changes with sharp lines and unusual layouts, which splits the generations.
In a sea of modern favourites, the MINI Hatch stands alone as the only model where drivers prefer the original design. Younger drivers are the only ones favouring the newer version (at a narrow margin of 54.8%), whilst the 31-50 age bracket tips firmly towards the classic at 58.7%. Among drivers aged 51 and over, nostalgia reigns supreme, with over two-thirds (67.6%) preferring the iconic original Hatch.
With plenty of on-screen appearances, including James Bond's “On Her Majesty's Secret Service” (1969), when it comes to this British icon, the charm lies in staying recognisably the MINI. Living proof that sometimes a 'glow up' is knowing when not to change.
| Rank | Model | % who prefer older model |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mini Hatch | 57.2% |
| #2 | SKODA Kodiaq | 41.1% |
| #3 | Fiat 500 | 40.7% |
| #4 | Peugeot 208 | 37% |
| #5 | BMW 1 Series | 30.3% |
| #6 | Nissan Qashqai | 29.7% |
| #7 | Mercedes C-Class | 26.5% |
| #8 | BMW 3 Series | 25.9% |
| #9 | Jeep Cherokee | 25.8% |
| #10 | Volvo XC90 | 24.6% |
After the MINI Hatch's clear victory, the SKODA Kodiaq lands as the second most-loved classic, with over two-fifths (41.1%) of drivers preferring the older model. Surprising considering the 'old' model is relatively modern, launching in 2016, though it shows how appealing the original seven-seater SUV was (and still is). Proof that sometimes the first time is the charm, the earlier Kodiaq's straightforward design got the stamp of approval from young (40.9% of 18- to 30-year-olds prefer the first iteration) and old (45.2% of over-51s prefer the old model).
Close behind is the Fiat 500, where 40.7% of motorists prefer the retro-inspired style. The Fiat 500's appeal is especially consistent amongst the younger gens, getting over a 40% approval rate for those aged 50 and below.
Meanwhile, the Peugeot 208 rounds out the top classic favourites, with 37% of drivers preferring the older design. While younger drivers lean modern (only 30% favour the original), older motorists tell a different story: nearly half (47.9%) of over-51s prefer the classic 208 as a fun, accessible supermini.
We surveyed 3,009 UK drivers across three age groups (18 to 30 years old, 31 to 50 years old, and 51+) using Prolific market research platform. Participants were shown images of older and newer versions of 28 popular car models and asked which design they preferred. The survey was conducted to represent a balanced sample across age demographics.
Images sourced from Autotrader's listing database and Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
All data correct as of October 2025.