Three quarters of UK motorists have abandoned a parking manoeuvre mid-way through because they found it too tricky, according to a new study.
And the parallel park is the most feared of all, with 43% of respondents to a survey from Skoda giving it the thumbs down.
Parallel parking was followed by reverse-in bay parking in the ‘least liked’ list, with 21% of people saying they dreaded it.
Meanwhile almost a quarter (23%) of drivers admit having bumped into another vehicle when parking, and 33% have damaged a wheel or tyre while attempting to park.
Discussing car park prangs, where someone has accidentally crunched another vehicle, a Skoda spokesperson says: “Those based in the South East had the most bumps, with 34% of individuals in the region holding their hands up, while those in the North East are least likely, with a huge 84% saying they hadn’t hit another car while parking. The data also shows it is men who are most likely to bump into another vehicle, with 24% saying they’d done so in the past.”
More than half of the respondents (55%) said that parking assist systems are a ‘must-have’ when they choose to lease their next car. Such features are most sought after by those in the 25-34 age range.
That tech includes things like reversing cameras, parking sensors, and even 3D surround view cameras that lets you see around the entire vehicle.
But there’s a growing number of lease cars that can actually park themselves, including the Peugeot 308, BMW 5 Series, Toyota Corolla, and - of course - the Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe.
A Skoda spokesperson explains: “Intelligent Park Assist, which is available with the optional Maxx package, features a 360-degree Area View camera to provide full visibility of the surroundings. The option pack also features Trained Parking where the car automatically parks itself in a familiar setting – such as at home or at work. The driver performs the first parking manoeuvre into a frequently used parking space. The system saves the entire route in its memory so that the next time the car can be guided to the parking space fully automatically at the touch of a button. The assistant system controls steering and braking and prevents collisions.”
Skoda says rear parking sensors are standard on all of its models - including the most affordable Skoda Scala, which can be leased for less than £200 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 30/05/23.
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