RAC: greener cars will now cost more in tax

THE majority of drivers buying new cars will pay significantly more in car tax from April 1, the RAC has claimed.

Up to two thirds of new vehicles that fall into the most popular tax bands will leave owners worse off as a result of changes to Vehicle Excise Duty, it said.

The RAC warned that the new rules will discourage people from buying some of the least polluting models.

It found that the vast majority of vehicles, unless they are pure electric or one of a few exceptions, will be subject to the same standard rate of annual tax from the second year of ownership.

The analysis found that a small family hatchback could leave owners up to £270 worse off after two years than if they had bought the same car before the end of this month.

Nick Lyes, an RAC spokesman, said: “Drivers who opt for a car that has very low emissions, including hybrids, will be worse off under the new system.”