| Honest John

Cars with a model that qualifies for 'free' Road Tax

Citroen C3 2010

Good: New C3 for 2010, many with the same engines as MINIs, low tax 110g/km 1.6 HDI 90, excellent ride quality. Very nice, high quality dash and interior.

Bad: 'Visiodrive' Zenith screen on high-end models won't work for everyone. C3 Picasso makes more sense for private buyers.

See also: Citroen VED Road Tax bands

Ford Fiesta 2009

Good: Classy and stylish, superbly built with an upmarket interior, excellent frugal 1.6 TDCI, enjoyable and involving to drive, relaxed at motorway speeds, cheap to run ECOnetic model.

Bad: Rear space could be better, back seats don't fold flat, spare wheel is a £30 optional extra, rather high boot lip.

See also: Ford VED Road Tax bands

Ford Focus III 2008

Good: The best all-round family hatchback on the road, great to drive, comfortable and well laid-out interior, wide range of engines, low emissions ECOnetic versions available.

Bad: Other hatchbacks offer more bootspace and rear passenger room.

See also: Ford VED Road Tax bands

SEAT Ibiza III 2002

Good: More interesting looking than a Polo. 1.8 petrol turbo FR good fun.

Bad: Same faults as Polo.

See also: SEAT VED Road Tax bands

SEAT Ibiza IV 2008

Good: Fine riding, handling and commodious small car, reasonably priced. Like like a bigger Mazda 2. Engine range gradually improved.

Bad: Petrol only at launch.

See also: SEAT VED Road Tax bands

Smart Fortwo 2007

Good: Roomier than previous version, with better seats and a more comfortable drive. Cheap to run. Better than your average city micro car.

Bad: Initially no right-hand-drive diesel version. Lacklustre cornering. Limited appeal beyond town use. No appeal if you need more than two seats. Expensive.

See also: Smart VED Road Tax bands

Toyota Prius 2009

Good: Makes total sense in London and for company car drivers. Feelgood factor. Plug-in is ultimate environmental car for one-car household.

Bad: Not so efficient for long distances at motorway speeds where some diesel cars still beat it.

See also: Toyota VED Road Tax bands

Volkswagen Golf VI 2009

Good: Superb refinement and build quality, comfortable and quiet on the move, enjoyable to drive, great attention to detail, impressive engine line-up including theoretically efficient Bluemotion models, robustly built.

Bad: Styling isn't particularly daring, not a huge leap forward from the previous Golf.

See also: Volkswagen VED Road Tax bands

Volkswagen Polo IV 2005

Good: Facelifted Polo IV. Wide choice of models available.

Bad: Others offer more space, extra versatility and a more enjoyable drive for less money. 1.4 (FSI?) engine prone to severe bore wear after 3 - 4 years.

See also: Volkswagen VED Road Tax bands

Volkswagen Polo V 2009

Good: Very competent. Headroom for 5. Full size 'spare'. Double folding rear seats gives flat load area. Better 'list price' value than Fiesta.

Bad: Unadventurous styling. High gearing of 1.6 diesel may lead to DPF problems. 1.6 diesel and 1.4 85PS petrol still belt cam. 1.2TSI delayed.

See also: Volkswagen VED Road Tax bands

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