Latest figures from automotive valuation and information service provider cap hpi confirms that the trend towards white cars is still gathering pace, but it seems it is coming at a cost to drivers.

The stats show that of the 2.6 million new cars registered in the UK last year, 21% of them were white. This used to be a standard colour option, but according to cap hpi most manufacturers now charge a premium for the pale privilege.

An extra cost of around £250 was the norm, but some car makers charged over £500 for special finish white options.

At present paying extra for white is seen as a sound investment as it is likely to be in demand in the used car market at trade in time. However, cap hpi does warn that white is something of a fashion colour which is likely to decline again in popularity when it becomes too commonplace.