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Almost every new model that is released boasts improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, and the benefits are being felt by both drivers and the environment. There are many advantages to seeking out the most economical model the next time you upgrade.
The positive impact that better fuel economy has on the environment is the most important outcome from the vehicle developments that are happening now. In short, lower fuel consumption means less pollutants entering the atmosphere. Remember to look at both the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figure when you are shopping for your next model to make sure it is as eco-friendly as possible.
The European exhaust emissions standards that all cars and vans sold in the UK must meet are driving improvements to fuel consumption and emissions output. They apply to both petrol and diesel models, and are frequently updated to help improve air quality.
Your finances also receive a boost when buying a greener vehicle. The amount you pay in annual road tax depends on the size of the engine, fuel type and how much CO2 it produces. In fact, cars that emit less than 130g/km of CO2 qualify for road tax exemption during their first year of registration. Above this, the smaller the emissions figure, the less you will pay. This is also true for Benefit-in-Kind tax which businesses pay on cars provided for use by their staff.
Another saving - and one that will be felt weekly - is in fuel expenses. Cars and vans that consume fuel frugally won’t need to be filled up as often, so one tank of petrol or diesel will go further. You can save even more fuel by paying attention to how you drive and how the vehicle is loaded. Driving smoothly, changing up to a higher gear earlier and sticking to speed limits all help. You should also only ever carry what you need in the boot to save weight.
The above explains how economical vehicles benefit you and the environment, and the following explains what you should look for when shopping for your next eco-friendly model.
Generally, diesel vehicles are more economical than petrols. Diesel does cost more at the pumps, but over time this fuel type works out as the cheaper option, assuming you drive carefully. Broadly speaking, manual gearboxes are also better for maximising fuel consumption than automatic transmission. You are in complete control of gear changes so by paying attention to how you drive you can get the most from every tank of fuel.
Alongside the advancements made to refine engines are innovative features design to save even more fuel and cut emissions. When you are searching for your next car or van look for features such as start/stop. This function shuts the engine off when you idle in traffic and starts it instantly when you pull away. The small fuel savings and pollutant reductions this causes have a big positive effect over time. Another helpful feature is a gear-shift indicator light which tells you the optimum time to change gear. Built-in Eco Mode software is a must for anyone who is serious about optimising fuel economy. It monitors your driving style and offers recommendations on how you can make improvements.
Ford’s cars and commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly cleaner and more economical with each model update. You can search through them all on our website and test drive any vehicle you are interested in by contacting your closest Gates Ford showroom.
*Please note, details above are correct at time of publishing. When choosing your vehicle, customers should consider their own driving styles, needs and budgets before making a decision. The information above is intended to provide clarity but should not be reviewed in isolation. Make sure you speak with a member of the Gates Ford team before making any financial decisions.*