VED Band A: road tax-free cars

You won't pay any road tax in the UK if you buy a new car in VED Band A. Cars in this road tax band emit less than 100g/km of CO2, and because low emissions also mean high mpg, they are economical to run too.

Our database contains more than 230 cars that sit in road tax (VED) band A. To help you choose a good road-tax free car, here are our top 10.

The Chevrolet Volt gives you all the benefits - and low running costs - of an electric car, but without the range anxiety. We think its brilliant.

Our 2011 Green Car of the Year is the Vauxhall Ampera. Its virtually identical to the Volt and uses the same technology, but it costs a bit more and isnt as well equipped. It looks cooler, though.

Our Green Small Family Car of the Year 2011 is the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion 5dr. Its as desirable and classy as any Golf, and is very fuel-efficient.

Most superminis get good mpg, but few are as frugal as the Ford Fiesta Econetic. Its an excellent green version of Fords supermini, with a superb - and very economical - turbodiesel engine.

If you want to have fun, but still get good mpg and keep road tax costs in check, the Mini Cooper 1.6D is well worth a look. Its a hoot to drive, has a smooth diesel engine and will hold its value well in the long run.

Peugeots 3008 Hybrid4 is rather pricey, but its diesel-electric hybrid powertrain gives incredible fuel economy and very low CO2 emissions. It also has a classy, practical cabin and is very well equipped.

As well as being cheap to buy, the Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive Active has a diesel engine that keeps running costs to a minimum. As with every i30, it has lots of kit and a high-quality interior, too.

The Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion is a great way to slash your fuel bills. Its three-cylinder engine gives an average 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions of just 91g/km. The usual VW Polo plus points remain, so it's also comfortable and classy.

We think the best electric car on sale is the Nissan Leaf. It won't suit everyone's lifestyle, but if you can live with its limited range (and can afford to buy it) it's a pleasure to own, thanks to its strong performance and excellent refinement.

An average of 67.3mpg makes the Volkswagen Up 1.0 Bluemotion Tech Move Up the most economical version of our 2012 Car of the Year. Its the best city car you can buy, and one of the cheapest to own.