Why is our Vauxhall Insignia much lower in road tax than our Nissan Micra?

My son has just purchased a new Vauxhall Insignia diesel. I understand that there is no road tax to pay for the first year and that it's then £100 per year afterwards. Can you please explain why my wife's Micra 1.4-litre petrol attracts £165 per year road tax?

Asked on 14 July 2012 by AW, Rustington

Answered by Honest John
Because this particular Insignia has been NEDC tested as emitting less than 130g/km CO2 and the Micra has been tested as emitting between 151 and 165g/km CO2. The older a car, generally the higher the CO2.
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