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
![Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change? Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change?](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/7fab405bea93b6bcacc285d1a01e4265b78be3c8.jpg)
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
![Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change? Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change?](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/7531cf5ae8eeb27346af46e71209dd8bd16e5f40.jpg)
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
![Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change? Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change?](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/fd9098519d7258898b0bd57be58499010d9c3379.jpg)
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
![Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change? Will I get a better new car deal after the March number plate change?](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/27793766e64d6118cb58388273ebfff86051d185.jpg)
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
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![New MG 4 vs New Renault Megane E-Tech vs Cupra Born triple header](https://media.whatcar.com/370x245/wc-image/2022-11/header.jpg)
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