Australia's typical drivers

Like most Commodore drivers, Sam Weeraratne, chose his Sportwagon because he supports local product. "It's one of those things, we firmly believe about buying locally made stuff and helping the economy and I always wanted to help that," he says.

"That leads me to buying a Holden rather than a second-hand BMW or Mercedes. "I also try to holiday locally, but you want to go overseas as well."

"A night out for me is going out to a good restaurant. I like a lot of modern Australian food and stolen bits from all over the world." Weeraratne bought the Sportwagon for its load-carrying ability.

"I run a real estate business and that helps me with the flags and boards and bits and pieces that go with the running of my business," he said.

Judy Smith is typical of Corolla drivers who want a practical and reliable car, which is why she's an NRMA member. The 62-year-old semi-retired carer drives 50km on her daily commute towork and home again.

"I'm a very practical person," she says. "I needed a reliable car that was safe and Toyota has a strong reputation and good resale value. I had a Toyota years ago. "It's also easy to get in and out of, plenty of room for the grandchildren."

But in other ways she's atypical as she's not a regular church goer nor a vegetarian. "I only go to church when I have to and I like my vegetables but I also like meat and seafood.

I drink beer and wine and my favourite drink is Asti Riccardona." She's not into sport except to watch her grandchildren play soccer.

Hawks fan Anton Koller is a perfect fit as a 44-year-old IT professional and long-time BMW 3 Series owner. He considers himself a knowledgeable car fan and bought a black 335i Sportline for the fun of driving.

"I love my cars and I love my BMWs because they're fun to drive," he says. "The eight-speed auto transmission is silky smooth, it has unbelievable brakes and it hangs on in corners. I've always stuck with the blue and white badge.

"The 335i is a true BMW with true sound and performance." He also fits the BMW demographic as health conscious with an active lifestyle and well travelled.

But rather than a wine drinker, he loves a good bourbon or scotch. Like a majority of BMW owners, he's optimistic about the future. "There's no use worrying about all the issues in the world," he says. "You just have to push on and make the most what you can."