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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

FOR ALL ROAD TAX BANDS, CLICK HERE

Fun to drive and economical, based on the FIAT 500 but handles so much better it donated its suspension improvements to the 500. More room in rear than 500.

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