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So you’re one of the 26% of women who wants to buy a greener car. By considering the following five factors
you can help save the environment, your conscience and money, too! |
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Size and weight
Small cars need less energy to make them move, so are more fuel-efficient and produce lower emissions than big cars. Similarly, heavier cars need more energy (fuel) to move them, which is one reason why many 4x4s give poor fuel economy.
Choose the smallest, lightest car suitable for your driving and people carrying needs – it will save on petrol costs and CO2 emissions. |
Fuel for thought
Petrol engines are traditionally the preferred choice for drivers who do average mileage. They emit around 10% more CO2 than diesel, but have other less toxic emissions than their diesel counterparts. Diesel engines tend to be more economical to run than petrol engines, so emit less CO2 - particularly if you do lots of motorway miles.
Consider your mileage before choosing your fuel. |
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Manual or automatic
On an average journey, automatic cars tend to use more fuel than manual cars, though this evens out a bit on longer motorway journeys. Semi-automatic cars give better fuel economy than automatic cars, but still tend to be less fuel efficient than manual cars.
Don’t be lazy - manual transmission tends to be better for the environment and your bank balance. |
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Hybrid cars
Hybrid cars use a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor that’s a bit like a self-charging battery. Hybrid cars tend to be more energy efficient and therefore more fuel efficient, too, particularly if you do lots of city driving. Hybrid cars also sit in the cheaper tax bands and are currently exempt from the London Congestion Charge.
You may pay a bit more at the start, but hybrid cars make sense for urban drivers. |
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Read the label
Cars now have things called efficiency labels. They range from A-F based on their CO2 emissions, which also equate to their road-tax bandings. Cars in the A Band are most efficient, with Band F being the worst offenders.
Choose a model in the highest band possible and it will also save you money on road tax. |
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