Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change?
This year, in particular, there’s another thing to take into consideration – car tax rates are changing dramatically on 1 April, making certain models more than £1000 more expensive to tax over t...
We’ve looked at cars in 10 different classes and picked out some of the models you should buy before 1 April because they are going to be hit the hardest by the new tax system.
1. 4x4 - Mercedes-Benz GLS 350d 4Matic AMG Line
The combination of a big diesel engine and high list price mean the GLS and its rivals from other brands are going be pricier to own.
Three year’s car tax before 1 April £1040Three year’s car tax after 1 April £2100Additional cost £1060
Read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz GLS
2. Small SUV – Porsche Macan Diesel S
Again, a high list price and not the lowest emission diesel engine add up to a big hike in car tax.
Three year’s car tax before 1 April £555Three year’s car tax after 1 April £1400Additional cost £845
Read our full review of the Porsche Macan
3. City car - Hyundai i10 SE
The Hyundai i10 is one of many small sub-100g/km CO2 petrol hatchbacks that will no longer qualify for free car tax.
Three year’s car tax before 1 April £0Three year’s car tax after 1 April £400Additional cost £400
Read our full review of the Hyundai i10
4. Hatchback - Audi A3 1.6 TDI SE Sportback
Just like sub-100 g/km petrol-engined cars, diesels will also cost more in tax.
Three year’s car tax before 1 April £0Three year’s car tax after 1 April £400Additional cost £400
Read our full review of the Audi A3
5. Compact exec – BMW 340i SE
Fairly high emissions and a list price above £40,000 count against this 3 Series and many other premium saloons.
Three year’s car tax before 1 April £555Three year’s car tax after 1 April £1400Additional cost £845
Read our full review of the BMW 3 Series
Click through to the next page to see more of our favourite people carriers and MPVs, and the ones to avoid
Best plug-in hybrid cars 2024 – best and worst PHEVs named
Plug-in hybrid cars can reduce fuel consumption to an absolute minimum, but which models are the best all-rounders and which ones should you avoid?
