AI reveals the cars we find most attractive

South Korea’s Hyundai is one of the world’s biggest automakers – Copyright AFP/File Yasuyoshi CHIBA

New eye tracking research has revealed the Hyundai i20 to be the most attractive car, followed by the Hyundai i10 and the Kia Soul. Is this reflected in what people really think? (and can AI really assess aesthetics?) Preferences are deep rooted in psychology; the computer interpretations may, however, have a degree of accuracy.

The study was run by Vanarama and the company used an AI eye tracking tool to analyse 200 images of 100 cars (front and back) to get a percentage ranking of nine parts of cars including headlights, doors and taillights to uncover the 10 most and least attractive cars. Such technology is based around a sensor that automatically detects a person’s eye movement to follow where they are looking and then to redirect the signal to the camera.

The criteria considered were:

• Headlights      
• Grille  
• Wheels           
• Doors 
• Mirrors           
• Windscreen    
• Taillights        
• Boot   
• Exhaust/Bumper

The research has revealed the most attractive features of cars overall, with taillights being the standout feature. This shows the ten most attractive cars to be:

The Hyundai i20 emerges as the number one allure on today’s roads. Earning the highest overall rating of 186.4 percent. The i20 secures its position as a standout choice, largely attributable to its taillights, obtaining an impressive score of 51.2 percent from the eye-tracking software, the second-highest among all taillights assessed.

Hyundai’s i-range performed well across the board, with the i10 claiming the runner-up spot on the list of most captivating cars, boasting an overall score of 179.8 percent. The front-end illumination that steals the spotlight, with the headlights earning an impressive 41.6 percent, which was the highest among all features of the i10.

Securing the third position is the Kia Soul, with a score of 172.8 percent. Notably, the Soul’s taillights outshine the competition with a top score of 52.8%, surpassing the i20.