Skip advert
Advertisement

The tax busters

With motoring bills soaring, it’s never been more vital to keep costs under control. In this special, we tell you which cars to go for in each tax band to slash your outgoings – and what to avoid!

Tax busters

Road tax – two words that are sure to send shivers down the spine of any motorist.

With prices rising once again in Chancellor Alistair Darling’s recent Budget, keeping an eye on your automotive costs is more important than ever.

That small paper disc in the corner of your windscreen is likely to have cost you plenty. But if you choose carefully when buying a car, you could save hundreds of pounds – especially when new rules come into effect next year. Road tax is governed by how much carbon dioxide (CO2) your car emits – and over the next eight pages we show you how you can save money in this road test special.

We point out which models are particularly clean or dirty. We also highlight the difference that adding optional extras such as an automatic gearbox – or choosing between certain engines and bodystyles – can make. You’ll be surprised at the results!

Each of the seven road tax bands is dealt with in ascending order – so join us as we reveal how to ‘cheat’ the Treasury...

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,454 off RRP*Used from £12,595
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,711 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*Used from £19,899
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,638 off RRP*Used from £9,765
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Motability’s definition of a ‘premium’ car is outdated, and here’s why
Tom Motability opinion

Motability’s definition of a ‘premium’ car is outdated, and here’s why

Our consumer reporter believes Motability needs to get with the times and reasses what it classifies as a premium car
Opinion
28 Nov 2025
New Toyota Aygo X Hybrid is faster, more efficient and more expensive for 2026
Toyota Aygo X - front action

New Toyota Aygo X Hybrid is faster, more efficient and more expensive for 2026

The first customer deliveries of Toyota’s new hybrid city car will begin in January
News
27 Nov 2025
New Skoda 100 concept unveiled: a retro, rear-wheel-drive electric saloon made to turn heads
Skoda 100 concept - front angled

New Skoda 100 concept unveiled: a retro, rear-wheel-drive electric saloon made to turn heads

The concept takes inspiration from the sixties with ‘realistic’ design language
News
27 Nov 2025