Women doing their car buying homework are likely to choose a car that means no road tax, given the choice. This means it has to emit less CO2 than 100g/km and the showroom label in new car dealerships will spell this out.
To do this it is likely to be a small (but see the Prius for a larger car) and lightweight car so don’t expect the full Monty in terms of gadgetry or accessories that might tip the balance over 100g/km.
As things stand, this still gives you a great choice for your shortlist; the following models led by the weeny smart fortwo CDi.
Audi A3 1.6 TDI E – 99g/km
Audi A3 1.6 TDI E – 99g/km
Citroen C3 1.6 HDI 90 – 99g/km
Citroen DS3 HDI 90 – 99g/km
Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Econetic – 98g/km
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Econetic Start Stop – 99g/km
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Econetic Start Stop – 99g/km
Peugeot 207 HDI 90 Economique – 99g/km
Renault Clio 1.5 DCI eco2 – 98g/km
Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 3 Door – 98g/km
Seat Leon 1.6 TD Ecomotive – 99g/km
Seat Leon 1.6 TD Ecomotive – 99g/km
smart fortwo CDI – 86g/km
Toyota Auris HSD – 89g/km
Toyota Auris HSD – 89g/km
Toyota iQ 1.0 – 99g/km
Toyota Prius T Spirit – 89g/km – (larger family car)
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 CDTI Ecoflex – 98g/km
Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI Bluemotion – 99g/km
Volvo C30 1.6 TD Drive – 99g/km
Volvo C30 1.6 TD Drive – 99g/km
These cars don’t have to pay London’s Congestion Charge either.
Looking at the manufacturers who are doing best in terms of producing vehicles with low average CO2 emissions the top 5 in order are Toyota, Fiat, Hyundai, Mini and Citroen with c10% improvement in emissions (Q1 2010 vs Q1 2009) recorded by Kia, Alfa Romeo, Nissan, Mazda and Renault.
But these rankings don’t include short term pollutant nitrogen oxide NOx (as in hot weather smog and soot particulates) nor do the environmental labels on new cars mention this. Should we be worried?
FOXY Steph
Find out about a motoring association for women providing advice and support
Find out where the female friendly car dealerships are who won’t overcharge or patronise women drivers
“In an underdeveloped country, don’t drink the water; in a developed country, don’t breathe the air.”
Changing Times
