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

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £27,145Avg. savings £2,285 off RRP*Used from £15,875
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,232 off RRP*Used from £7,195
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,590 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,638 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Tesla Model 3 Standard slashes entry price and running costs
Tesla Model 3 Standard - front

New Tesla Model 3 Standard slashes entry price and running costs

A new cut-price version of the best-selling electric saloon offers 332 miles of range and the lowest insurance rating of any Tesla
News
9 Jan 2026
Sleek new Zeekr 7GT offers over 400bhp for less than £40k
Zeekr 7GT - front

Sleek new Zeekr 7GT offers over 400bhp for less than £40k

If you don’t yet know the name Zeekr, you soon will, because this high-end Chinese brand is coming straight for BMW
News
9 Jan 2026
New Mazda CX-6e 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date
Mazda CX-6e - front static

New Mazda CX-6e 2026 preview: prices, specs and release date

Known as the Mazda EZ-60 in China, the all-new electric SUV is due to arrive on our shores towards the end of the year
News
9 Jan 2026