MOTORISTS have given an overwhelming thumbs down to 'space saver' spare wheels and puncture repair kits, according to new research.

Introduced to save space and weight, the 'space saver' spare - or no spare wheel at all - tops the chart of drivers' irritations about many features of the latest cars, according to the research by Carbuyer.co.uk which quizzed more than a thousand motorists.

They were asked which modern car features annoy them most, with two out of three listing no full-size spare as their biggest gripe. Ranking second in the list of annoyances was another feature aimed at improving fuel efficiency - the engine stop-start system.

Some features introduced for driver convenience also turn out to annoy a significant number of motorists. Automatic handbrakes came third on the list, followed by keyless entry, inaccurate satellite navigation systems and interior hazard warning sounds.

Says Carbuyer's James Batchelor: "Modern cars bristle with innovations designed for efficiency and convenience, but our research proves the adage that you can't please all of the people all of the time.

"The absence of a full-size spare appears to be overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers, doubtless because both alternative solutions are such inconvenient temporary solutions to a flat tyre.

"Removing the standard spare does allow for more storage space and helps to cut CO2 emissions by reducing weight, but these benefits don't impress most motorists.

"Continuing your journey on a speed-limited wheel - or using a temporary repair kit - are deeply unpopular options for an overwhelming majority of drivers."