In very general terms smaller cars tend to be more fuel efficient and emit less CO2, so ask yourself questions about what you want the car for. Do I really need six seats for a family of four? Could I make do with a smaller boot if I only use the car for shopping? You get the picture.
Tip 2. The engine matters
Once you've decided on the type of car check out the different makes, models and engine options. Most models offer a range of engines that vary in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Tip 3. Petrol or diesel?
Petrol and diesel engines have different effects on the environment. Engines powered by diesel generally produce less CO2 but more air quality pollutant emissions than their petrol counterparts. But which one should you choose? As a rule of thumb, if most of the driving you do is long distance or motorway driving then consider a diesel engine for fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. On the other hand if you spend more time in town, where air quality is a greater consideration, then a petrol engine may be better suited.
Tip 4. Look for the label
Most new cars in a car showroom have a colour-coded fuel efficiency rating like fridges and washing machines (like the one shown above). The coding is from band A to band G, with bands A and B representing cars that emit the least CO2, as well as having lower car tax. The lower the emission band, the lower the tax you'll pay. The label is also a guide to the running costs you can expect for that car over 12,000 miles so you can compare how much different cars cost to run.
Tip 5. Ask about fuel efficiency
Ask your car sales staff about the efficiency and environmental performance of your chosen car and the helpful extras available. For example, 'particulates' are emissions released when fuel is burned that are harmful to local air quality. But on some cars an optional extra called a DPF (diesel particulate filter) can be fitted to reduce these emissions from diesel engines. As petrol cars produce fewer particulates, filters are not generally needed for petrol engines.
Tip 6. Be a smarter driver
There are smarter ways to drive your car that help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Our list of
Smarter Driving tips offers useful suggestions you can put into practice to help you cut down.
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Useful tips to think about
