In the UK, the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), colloquially known as 'road tax', is a necessary toll for the privilege of driving on public roads. It has existed in some form since 1888, when a tax was charged for using certain public highways. 

To help you find the right vehicle for your lifestyle, we've created a list of cars with £30 road tax. Scroll down to see the complete list now.

17 UK Cars With £30 Road Tax 

From Hyundai to Fiat, here’s a list of the 17 best cars with £30 road tax. We’ve also added some subsections like ‘small cars’ and ‘older cars’ to help you find the best match. 

1. Hyundai i10

A superb city car, the Hyundai i10 comes with a frugal 1.0-litre petrol engine that emits just 117g/km of CO2, putting it in the £30 road tax band. Its compact size and nimble handling make it perfect for navigating through narrow urban streets. 

2. BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, specifically the 218d model, falls into the £30 tax bracket thanks to its CO2 emissions of 111g/km. Despite the low emissions, it delivers punchy performance and premium comfort. 

3. Mazda 6 Tourer

For a more spacious option, the Mazda 6 Tourer's 2.2-litre diesel engine achieves CO2 emissions of 127 g/km, allowing for a £30 tax rate. The Mazda 6 Tourer is perfect for families, offering ample space and comfort without breaking the bank on road tax. 

4. Mercedes GLA

For those desiring a bit of luxury without the hefty tax bill, the Mercedes GLA 200d is a perfect choice. It emits only 114g/km of CO2 and enjoys a £30 tax rate. Its sleek design and spacious interior provide a luxury SUV experience at a fraction of the expected cost.

What Older Cars Are Cheap to Tax? 

Looking for used cars with £30 road tax? Consider these reliable options. 

5. MINI Hatchback

The iconic MINI Hatchback, specifically models produced between 2006 and 2014, emit around 127g/km of CO2, meaning they benefit from a low tax rate. They’re also famed for being great to drive and have a stylish charm reminiscent of the original MINI. 

6. Renault Kadjar

The Renault Kadjar, especially the 1.5-litre diesel models made before 2017, emits just 99g/km of CO2, giving it a tax rate of £20 per year. Combining practicality with efficiency, the Kadjar is a compelling choice for those seeking a budget-friendly SUV. 

7. Jaguar XE

For an older luxury vehicle that is light on the tax, consider the Jaguar XE diesel models manufactured before 2017. These stylish saloons fall into the £30 tax bracket, offering superior comfort and performance for a reasonable annual cost.

8. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a reliable hatchback from 2011 to 2028 that’s widely available. With a five-door model and an overall reliable design, it’s easy to see why so many UK drivers love this car. You can secure low tax with the Ford Focus 1.0 T EcoBoost or 1.6 TDCI variants. 

Small Cars with Cheap Road Tax 

Low-tax cars come in all shapes and sizes. Here are the best small options for local drives or city living. 

9. Toyota Prius

If you're environmentally conscious, the Toyota Prius is a standout option. The hybrid model emits just 70g/km of CO2, which exempts it from road tax. Plus, its compact size makes it ideal for city driving. 

10. Volkswagen Up! 

The VW Up! is an excellent option for urban dwellers. ThE 1.0-litre petrol model emits just 96g/km of CO2, resulting in a £20 tax bill. It's a stylish and practical vehicle that will save you money. 

11. Citroen C4 Cactus 

The quirky Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi emits a mere 89g/km of CO2. This not only results in £0 road tax but also an incredibly economical car. Perfect for those looking for a vehicle with personality without a hefty tax bill. 

12. Fiat Panda 

The Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir has a low tax rate due to its CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. This compact car is practical, economical, and surprisingly spacious - a real winner for city dwellers. 

13. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa 1.0T ecoFlex SRI is a common sight on UK roads. With a 1.0L turbocharged engine, compact size, and an attractive design, it’s easy to see why this is a popular £30 road tax motor.

SUVs with £30 Road Tax

If you’re asking ‘What is the cheapest SUV road tax?’ we’re here to help. These cars tend to have higher road tax, but there are a few that sit around the £35 mark. 

14. Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact SUV designed to provide an efficient drive, a spacious cabin, and a robust overall build. Not all Qashqai models have a £30 road tax, though. Only the 1.6 dCi DPF Stop Start model falls into this category. So, make sure you look for this specific variant!

15. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is another smooth SUV that can come with an affordable £30 road tax. However, to ensure the lower tax band, you must look for fourth-generation models with a 1.7L diesel engine. They also must be registered before April 1st 2017, so you’re also looking at older models.

16. Skoda Octavia vRS Diesel

Okay, the Skoda Octavia vRS Diesel isn’t technically an SUV. But it’s pretty close! With a 2.0L engine, low emissions, and spacious interior, it’s an excellent choice for those who want an affordable car without losing any power. This model falls into the £30 road tax bracket.

17. Audi Q3 

The Audi Q3 is a desirable crossover SUV. Equipped with a sophisticated interior and a sleek look, this is a fantastic choice for a car with a designer feel. However, you’ll need to opt for the 2.0L diesel model to secure affordable road tax. Avoid the four-wheel-drive options, as these increase the tax price. 

What is Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)? 

Nowadays, the fee varies according to the car's CO2 emissions level. When choosing a car, it's essential to consider the additional costs that come with it. One of these crucial costs is the road tax, which can add up significantly over the years.

Choosing a vehicle that falls under a lower tax band can significantly lighten the load on your wallet. It's important to be aware that VED increases are announced occasionally in the UK government budget, so staying informed about these changes can help you make the most of your budget. 

But worry not, budget-conscious motorists! We're here to help. We've compiled a list of 11 affordable cars that cost between £0 to £30 to tax! These models deliver economic driving and reduced tax, giving you more pounds to spend on those thrilling road trips. 

The Future of Road Tax 

As we hurtle towards a future of greener technologies and increased environmental consciousness, the landscape of road tax in the UK is set to evolve. The government is already implementing tax incentives to encourage the adoption oF electric vehicles (EVs). This is a trend that is likely to gather momentum as we strive towards cleaner, greener motoring. 

At the same time, we may witness an escalation in tax rates for vehicles with higher emissions. This would incentivise the shift towards more eco-friendly alternatives. It also aligns with the global drive to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition to, combating climate change, and striving for a sustainable future.

That being said, the future of road tax is far from set in stone. Speculations abound, and some industry pundits suggest that the government may explore alternative taxation methods as EVs rise in popularity and traditional fuel vehicles decline. One proposition that has been mooted is a mileage-based tax system.

Whatever the future holds, and regardless of the taxation methods implemented, there will always be a market for economical, tax-efficient cars. From the bustling city streets to the open country roads, from short daily commutes to long family road trips, these 11 cars promise to keep your road tax as low as possible.  

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.