News: Green indifference costing drivers dear, 6 tax-friendly cars
Third of drivers don't know their car's CO2 rate
DESPITE CAR tax rates that are linked to a vehicle’s emissions, and schemes such as London’s congestion charge that rewards motorists who drive ultra low-emission vehicles, most drivers are indifferent to greener motoring, claims a new study.
According to the research, by confused.com, a comparison website, almost two thirds of motorists say they aren’t conscious of being a greener motorist, while more than a third say they have no idea what the CO2 emissions are for their current vehicle.
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The findings mean that with tax rates for the worst polluting cars reaching £1,090 in the first year, and the average standard rate ranging from £20 to £500, motorists could be wasting hundreds of pounds a year unknowingly buying polluting cars that are more expensive to tax.
Motorists claim it’s not entirely their fault. According to the same study, a third of them think greener cars are too expensive, and almost 40% think the government should be making them more affordable.
That last view sounds a bit of a pipe dream so until the government steps in with a 50% discount on cleaner cars, here’s Driving’s choice of six, low-tax cars for less than £20,000.
VW Up! 1.0 BlueMotion Technology Move Up! 5dr, £10,405
Emissions: Class A ‒ 95g/km
Road tax: First year 0, Standard rate 0
We say Pint-size city runabout is one of our new cars of 2014
Search for and buy a used VW Up! on driving.co.uk
Renault Clio Expression+ ENERGY TCe 90 ECO 5dr, £13,445
Emissions: Class A ‒ 99g/km
Road tax: First year 0; Standard rate 0
We say Attractively styled supermini with a spirited three-cylinder petrol engine
Search for and buy a used Renault Clio on driving.co.uk
Ford B-Max Titanium 1.0T 125 EcoBoost 5dr, £17,195
Emissions: Class C ‒ 114g/km
Road tax: First year 0; Standard rate £30
We say Versatile people carrier thrives on punchy and frugal (if you don’t work it too hard) petrol engine
Search for and buy a used Ford B-Max on driving.co.uk
Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T 115 Acenta 5dr, £17,645
Emissions: Class C ‒ 118g/km
Road tax: First year 0; Standard rate £30
We say Nissan’s contribution to the family hatch sector, after a long absence, is spacious in the rear
Search for and buy a used Nissan on driving.co.uk
Skoda Yeti S 1.6 TDI CR Greenline II 105 5dr, £18,205
Emissions: Class C ‒ 119g/km
Road tax: First year 0; Standard rate £30
We say The tide seems to be turning against diesel so enjoy this clean, torquey engine while conscience allows
Search for and buy a used Skoda Yeti on driving.co.uk
Vauxhall Insignia Design 2.0 CDTi 140 ecoFLEX 5dr, £19,334
Emissions: Class A ‒ 98g/km
Road tax: First year 0; Standard rate £0
We say Another super-frugal diesel in a large family car that has been usefully brought more up to date.
Search for and buy a used Vauxhall Insignia on driving.co.uk
