Experts are urging drivers to make themselves aware of cars which are compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone and Clean Air Zones for under £10,000.
With the expansion of the Ulez last year and the growing number of CAZ and LEZ schemes across the UK, motorists need to have a cheap alternative to ensure they do not get hit with daily charges and fines.
Charges can be as low as £8 a day, but can quickly lead to drivers paying thousands of pounds across the year if their petrol or diesel vehicle has a particularly high output of harmful emissions.
Mat Watson, chief content officer at Carwow, has ranked five of the best and cheapest petrol vehicles that are compliant with the Ulez and other Clean Air Zones, yet won't break the bank.
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The Volkswagen Up!
VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen Up!
Even though the Up! is no longer in production, the VW remains a favourite among drivers thanks to its fuel efficiency, compact size and low price tag.
Its small stature also ensures it is in a lower car insurance group, allowing motorists to save even more money, on top of the £5,998 offering price.
The model in question is a 2015, Euro 6 petrol-powered Up! with experts describing it as “one of the best and most compact” cars on the market.
A 2013 Ford Focus
GETTY
Ford Focus
Despite being the joint-oldest on the list, the popular Ford Focus remains Ulez and CAZ compliant with CO2 emissions of 114g/km (Euro 5), making it a great option for motorists looking for a bargain.
A 2013 model on Carwow has an impressive 125hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine and under 48,000 miles for a modest £6,365 to help drivers avoid daily charges and costly fines.
Mat Watson said: “A Ford Focus is a good option as it’s such a popular car, there are plenty of petrol and diesel examples available for a lot less than £10,000.”
The Honda Jazz
HONDA
Honda Jazz
Another popular, affordable model on the market for drivers looking to upgrade their cars to ensure they are compliant is the 2013 Honda Jazz with Euro 5 emissions standard.
Drivers in and around London or other cities with a pollution-based charging zone can get their hands on such a model for just under £7,000.
The Jazz is one of the roomier supermini five-door hatchbacks which can cater to families looking to stay on the road without being charged every day.
The Toyota Auris
TOYOTA
Toyota Auris
With the growing number of Clean Air Zones and the expected introduction of charges in four Low Emission Zones later this year, it is more important than ever for motorists to have a compliant car.
Another expert-backed model which is compliant is the Toyota Auris. The family hatchback is often lauded as one of the most reliable vehicles on the market.
Drivers can get their hands on a 10-year-old petrol Auris for £7,351 on Carwow, with the car having a 132hp, 1.6-litre petrol engine and just over 74,000 miles on the clock.
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The Nissan Juke
NISSAN
Nissan Juke
Watson added: “The Nissan Juke is consistently one of the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK.
“It’s a good choice as a CAZ-beating car as it’s compact (but not too small) with a higher seating position for a better view of city traffic.
“There’s plenty of petrol and diesel used models available for under £10,000. We found a 2015 Juke 1.2 DiG-T in the top Tekna trim level with under 48,000 miles for £7,995.”