New study by Scrap Car Comparison has revealed that Suzuki, Peugeot and MINI drivers are most likely to have the highest levels of intelligence in the world, while the reverse is true for Land Rover, BMW and Fiat.

The study tasked 2 000 drivers of varying car makes and model to complete a standard IQ test, to help define their level of intellect.

The results were then averaged out depending on car driven, colour and other factors such as whether or not the respondent owns a personalised number plate.

Suzuki, (98.09) Peugeot (97.79) drivers scored highest on the IQ test, followed by MINI (97.41) Mazda (95.91) and Toyota (95.76)drivers.

On the other end of the scale, the study found that BMW drivers generally had a lower IQ, with a score of 91.68, alongside Fiat (90.14) and Land Rover (88.58) drivers

In addition to studying car brands, the Scrap Car Comparison team also analysed whether chosen car colour, or even the style of number plate motorists go for could also have a bearing on their intelligence.

The results were as conclusive as those for the manufacturers, clearly showing that those who own a white (average IQ of 95.71) or grey (94.97) car are likely to have a higher IQ than those that opt for less monochrome choices.

In particular, owners of green cars scored unfavourably on the IQ test, with an average IQ of 88.43.

The results also outlined personalised number plates as another defining factor when it comes to intelligence.

A love or hate choice for many, the study shows that those who don’t chose to spend their money on number plate personalisation generally have a higher IQ (94.15) than those that do (91.95).

Managing Director of Scrap Car Comparison, Dan Gick says “for us, being smart behind the wheel boils down to one thing – keeping yourself and other drivers safe, and not making decisions that would put anyone in danger.

“It’s always interesting to us to delve a little deeper into the differences in characteristics of drivers out on the roads, and so it has been fascinating to learn that there is truth to the perception of Skoda drivers being particularly sensible.

“It’s worth remembering though, that other studies have shown that an average IQ can sit anywhere between a score of 85 and 115, so drivers should not feel ashamed of where they sit in our rankings. The main thing is to be a smart and sensible driver - no matter what car you own.”

Meanwhile, another study last year found that drivers of a BMW has the highest likeability of being a psychopath, with an average psychopathy score of 12.1 out of 36.

The BMW drivers were followed closely behind in second place by Audi drivers, a fellow German automotive manufacturer.

Audi drivers averaged a psychopathy score of 11.7, meaning they are more likely to adopt traits including narcissism and pathological lying than others.

When it came to the drivers with the least psychopathic tendencies, Suzuki drivers scored well below the average.

They had an average score of just 3.2 out of 36, suggesting those driving a Suzuki were unlikely to show signs of classic psychopathic traits, such as poor judgement or impulsivity, potentially making them calmer drivers on the roads.