I’m a motors expert – here are the 10 best road tax-free cars

A CAR expert has revealed the 10 best road tax-free cars – and they will save you thousands.

Motors first registered between March 1, 2001 and March 31, 2017 that produce less than 100 grams per kilometre of CO2 are exempt from the fee.

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Mat Watson, from CarWow, has shared his top 10 road tax-free vehicles to save you your hard-earned cash.

Skoda Octavia Estate

Ranking highest in Mat’s list was the Skoda Octavia Estate.

“It’s quite unusual to think a car this large and that practical won’t cost you a penny in road tax,” said Mat.

“But it won’t if you go for the 1.6 litre diesel engine.

“This can return 74mpg and emits 99gpk of CO2. However upgrade to the Greenline version and that reduces emissions to 85gpk and improves the economy to 88mpg.

“Overall it’s a great car, it’s not that expensive considering the amount of space you’ve got, it’s well-built and it should be great to own.”

Hyundai i10

Second up was a Hyundai i10 which comes with a horse power of around 66bhp.

And, it can get to 60mph in 10.5 seconds but only returns around 50mpg.

Mat said: “Only the blue drive model is tax-exempt but the little three-cylinder petrol engine is full of character and fun to drive – even if it’s not particularly fast.”

Skoda Citigo

The Skoda Citigo was also rated highly by Mat, who championed the small city car.

“It’s got a few tax-free options in the range, but our favourite is the higher powered 74hp 1.0 litre engine as it’s much better suited to motorway driving while still emits only 98gpk of CO2,” he explained.

A second-hand model will only cost you around £5,000, making it a good budget motor.

Citroen C4 Cactus

This car will deliver just over 100bhp and keep you road tax-free.

Mat said: “All of the diesel engines emit less than 100gpk of CO2 and no model in the range will return less than 60mpg.

“However this car is let down somewhat by it’s slightly cheap feeling interior.”

Pre-owned Citroen C4 Cactus’ are usually priced at an average of £10,000, making it slightly more expensive.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashquai also got a glowing review from the car expert.

“With the lower powered 1.5 dci diesel engine you get tax-free motoring and it will return 74.3mpg,” he added.

“While top specification models can be expensive, the mid-range offers a good compromise in price and kit.”

SEAT Leon

This model is great value for money, with the style of a larger car but the price tag of a smaller one.

“While most of the engines are cheap to run, the 1.6 litre diesel is tax-exempt and it will return an impressive 85.6mpg,” said Mat.

The sportier looking car and famous low running costs make this an option worth considering.

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Mat also liked the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and told fellow motorists: “It’s super frugal diesel engine has raised the game.

“It’s not exactly fast but it still carries seven people while returning 70mpg.”

Older models can be found on the market for less than £10,000 which makes them a more affordable choice.

BMW 1 Series

This impressive BMW can go from 0 to 60mph in under five seconds.

“The 1160 efficient dynamics include aerodynamic body work a more efficient gearing,” said Mat.

“However petrol options are expensive to run.”

But the sporty hatchback could still save you thousands in road tax.

Jaguar XE

The small saloon car offers a horsepower anywhere from 50bhp to 184bhp and get to 60mph within 6.7 seconds.

Mat added: “Going for the lower powered 2.0 litre diesel and it can run at 74mpg and emit less than 100gpk of CO2.”

They are more pricey, but second-hand motors can be found for around £15,000.

Mini One D

Last on the list was the Mini One D car.

Mat explained: “The Mini One D is one of the most fun, small cars to drive, and its range of turbocharge engines means it emits less than 100gpk of Carbon Dioxide.

“Unfortunately the initial cost of the car is quite high.”

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