Google pervades our internet experiences. The word “googling” is recognized by Merriam Webster as a verb. How often something is Googled can give a fairly accurate perspective on how much interest that thing generates. So what’s the most Googled car of 2014?
Using Google Trends we can find out just that. Google Trends is light on hard data but works great for comparing a bunch of search terms. We’ve started our hunt for the most Googled car with five of the most talked about enthusiast cars and already, there are some surprises.
This chart shows the search popularity of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Jaguar F-Type, Ford Focus ST, BMW i8 and Mazda Miata.
Supplied, Google Trends
Firstly, the fierce Dodge Challenger Hellcat that seems to be so talked scored below the humble Focus ST. Miata search traffic spiked in September when the new model was unveiled but the real story here is the BMW i8.
The BMW i8 looks like a concept car that escaped to the real world. It’s stunning TRON-esque looks and oddball hybrid drivetrain have created quite a stir in the enthusiast committee. But is it the most Googled car of 2014?
This chart shows the search popularity of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Mustang, Honda Civic, BMW i8 and BMW 3 Series.
Supplied, Google Trends
Not even close. Mainstream cars, lead by the Volkswagen Golf were far more googled than enthusiast models. The Golf is the most googled vehicle of 2014 but the Mustang made a surprise second place finish. The seventh-generation Golf was released in 2013 so it’s not exactly a new model but it’s a popular car worldwide.
The top three most Googled cars of 2014 were:
1. Volkswagen Golf
2. Ford Mustang
3. Honda Civic
The BMW i8 was included in this graph to provide a sense of scale. Will the Golf be able to defend its title for 2015?
