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

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,299
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,066 off RRP*Used from £13,200
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £10,187 off RRP*Used from £10,200
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,636 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Puma is UK’s best-selling car once again and Brits prove their love for petrol power
Ford Puma - front corner left turn

Ford Puma is UK’s best-selling car once again and Brits prove their love for petrol power

More than 2,000,000 new cars were sold in the UK last year – the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic
News
6 Jan 2026
It’s clear that all buyers want are affordable and desirable cars
Affordable cars - opinion

It’s clear that all buyers want are affordable and desirable cars

Manufacturers like BYD, Jaecoo and Renault are building affordable cars people actually want to buy, and it’s backed up by sales data
Opinion
5 Jan 2026
New electric Mercedes S-Class will replace the EQS… eventually
Mercedes EQS - front tracking

New electric Mercedes S-Class will replace the EQS… eventually

The next iteration of the S-Class will give its affluent customers the choice of combustion or electric power
News
5 Jan 2026