Best ULEZ-exempt cars

If you drive in London on a regular basis, it's crucial to have a car that is ULEZ-exempt to avoid the daily £12.50 Ultra Low Emission Zone charge.

If that applies to you, then you’ve almost certainly already checked to make sure your car is ULEZ-compliant. But if you haven't – or it isn't – we’ve compiled a list of the best ULEZ-exempt cars that won’t leave you out of pocket. 

Broadly speaking, ULEZ is aimed at discouraging older diesel cars – some of the heaviest polluters – from driving in the capital. So, generally, diesels registered after September 2015 and petrols registered after 2005 are exempt from the charge. All hybrid and electric cars also avoid the daily fee.

1. Ford Fiesta

Perhaps our favourite little car

The Ford Fiesta is no longer sold as a brand-new car, but it's still one of the UK's most popular models. It offers a huge range of trim levels and engines, so used buyers can pick the exact car that suits them. There’s even a posh Vignale, beefed-up Fiesta Active or hot hatch Fiesta ST.

One of the main reasons the Fiesta continues to hold such appeal is it's an utter corker on the road. The mix of dynamic handling, sharp steering, punchy engines and a comfortable ride make the Fiesta a formidable package. As long as you don’t mind a mainstream choice, it’s great,

There’s reasonable space for two kids (three at a push) in the back of the Fiesta, but adults might feel a little cramped. As for boot space, the Ford Fiesta sits in the middle of the small car pack for practicality.

There also isn’t a bad engine or gearbox in the range. The entry-level 1.1-litre petrol is good around town but a little slow on motorways, while the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol is excellent in all guises (100PS, 125PS and 140PS). For those covering bigger distances, Ford used a pair of 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines. The 120PS would be our pick, but both are decent and all engines in this generation of Fiesta are ULEZ-exempt.

2. Skoda Octavia

Hugely practical, great value hatch

The previous-generation Skoda Octavia – which was replaced by a new version in 2020 – is excellent. In fact, it offers the best blend of practicality, refinement and performance for the money. It isn’t the most exciting choice, nor the most sophisticated, but it proves that great value doesn't have to feel cheap.

As a do-it-all family car, it's hard to beat, but some drivers will struggle with its sheer size. Luckily for used buyers, there are no bad engine options for the Octavia. The older 1.4-litre TSI petrol is just as smooth and even nippier than the newer 1.5-litre motor, just not quite as efficient on fuel. If you regularly take long trips or want to use the car for towing, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel will be a better bet. Just make sure to use TfL’s ULEZ registration checker before you buy it to make certain it's exempt, as not quite all used Octavias of this generation will be.

We think SE trim offers the strongest value. The interior is smart, with a high-quality feel and loads of kit. However, some of the latest safety equipment was optional, with key equipment such as automatic emergency braking, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control all costly extras when new.

3. Toyota Prius

Easy-going, odd-looking hybrid 

The previous-generation Toyota Prius won’t win any style competitions, but it’s an accessible and affordable hybrid for anyone who wants practicality, low running costs and ULEZ exemption. Despite being a pioneer, there are arguably more appealing hybrid alternatives out there now – including the hybrid-powered Toyota Corolla.

With Toyota's legendary reliability, it'll likely run forever: why do you think so many are used as taxis to this day? There’s lots of space up front and the boot is 297-litres or 343-litres if you opt for a tyre repair kit rather than a space saver spare wheel.

Under the bonnet, a 1.8-litre petrol engine works with an electric motor to propel and self-charge the Prius – which means there are no plugs or charging required – though Toyota did also offer a plug-in version. It’s refined and easy to drive around town, with the hybrid system working best at low speeds.

The interior isn’t quite as good, but there’s a good amount of standard equipment. We’d opt for the Business Edition trim to get a head-up display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, blind spot monitoring and a wireless charging area for your phone. Business Edition models are also plusher inside.

4. Volkswagen Golf

The best family hatch, period

The Volkswagen Golf here is the previous Mk7 generation, with this 2013 incarnation replaced in 2020. However, it’s arguably one of the best hatchbacks on the used car market and now that it’s been replaced, there are very good used deals despite its high asking price from new. 

Like the Ford Fiesta (but bigger), there aren’t many people the Golf isn’t right for. The range of engines and model variants is enormous, with premium quality and comfort to boot.

The Golf may cost a little bit more than many contemporary alternatives, but even the basic model is a fantastic choice. The various petrol engines are all pretty good, though we like the 1.4 TSI ACT and 1.5 TSI Evo (from 2017 onwards) best. The 1.6 TDI diesel isn’t the fastest but is a bit smoother and quieter than the more powerful 2.0-litre. Even so, we’d still pick the 2.0 TDI 150 due to its combination of performance and fuel economy. If you’re opting for a diesel, make sure you buy a later model.

As for trims, we like the sporty R-Line and the value-packed Match versions. The Ford Focus is a less premium but cheaper rival, while the SEAT Leon is basically a Golf underneath, with sportier styling and lower prices. The Skoda Octavia shares underpinnings with the Golf as well, offering even more space and practicality.

5. Audi A3

Classy and practical family hatch

If you like the Volkswagen Golf, but want something posher, the Audi A3 Sportback is an excellent choice. It looks great, has a brilliant interior that’s ageing well and comes with plenty of standard kit for the money. It’s also great to drive.

The 2013 Audi A3 Sportback tends to be popular among those looking for something with a bit more status than a Ford Focus or Golf. All A3s are well equipped, but it’s the S line and Black Edition models that catch our eye, thanks to sporty looks. If you’re not fussed about that, the entry-level SE and SE Technik models make a lot of sense. Although, if you want things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll need a later example from mid-2016 onwards.

Most of the engines are refined and economical – we'd avoid the bigger 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols. The diesel engines were the most popular in the A3 Sportback when it was new, with the 2.0-litre offering a relaxing and economical driving experience. If you do want a diesel, make sure you choose a later model and check it’s ULEZ-compliant before putting any money down. However, if you don’t cover mega miles, buy the 1.4-litre or later 1.5-litre petrol.

6. Peugeot e-308

Stylish, refined EV in a familiar package

The Peugeot 308 in its latest sharp-suited form has been around for some time now, and the all-electric e-308 joined the line-up in 2023. It offers all of the good stuff we love about the 308, but with the added advantage of emissions-free driving.

Yes, the petrol-powered 308 is ULEZ-compliant, but the benefit of the EV model is it can also lower your everyday driving costs, so long as you can charge the car at home. For those living closer to the city centre, this might be tricky, but it does make the e-308 an ideal commuter car.

Aside from the financial sums, the e-308 adds up for its sleek looks, practicality, comfort, and strong build quality. Not everyone is a fan of the i-Cockpit dash design that places the small steering wheel lower than you might feel is needed, but it does work, and most drivers adapt to it quickly. There's also the nifty performance, comfort and handling to enjoy.

7. Kia EV6

Striking electric SUV coupe

As an all-rounder, there aren't many better cars in the electric car market than the Kia EV6. It looks stylish and dramatic from the outside, feels sophisticated and comfortable on the inside and it comes with a generous amount of equipment and tech for a very affordable sum compared with rivals. 

It's roomy enough inside to serve as your sole family car and although the boot isn't the biggest in the class, there's easily enough luggage space to be getting on with. The EV6 is also a fabulous car to drive, delivering a pleasing mixture of family-friendly comfort and driver-delighting handling ability.

There are various all-electric drive system options, all of which do comparatively well on performance and range and charging times are good, too. As all EV6s are electric, you can be 100% positive that all of them are ULEZ-compliant.

The EV6 has been around for a while now, so there are some very temptingly-priced examples on the used car market, and unless they've done over 100,000 miles (which is unlikely), they should still have a decent portion of their original seven-year warranty left to run.

8. Honda Civic

More enjoyable than it looks

It has one of the longest-running nameplates anywhere in motoring, having existed for decades, but the latest version of the Honda Civic is undoubtedly the best so far. And unlike previous versions, it might even be the best car of its type.

That word 'type' is pertinent here, because as long as you don't choose the fire-breathing Honda Civic Type R hot hatch model – which is sensational, by the way – then your Civic will come exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. It gives perky performance, operates in a smooth and quiet manner and it delivers fantastic fuel economy: everything a good hybrid should do. The driving experience is also impressive in other ways, with a comfortable ride and neat handling.

The interior meanwhile, is roomy, high in quality and ergonomically sound, while the boot – although a fraction smaller than in the previous-generation Civic's – is one of the bigger ones in the family hatchback class. Generous equipment rounds off a very appealing package.

9. BMW i5

Essentially an electric 5 Series

The BMW i5 is, in just about every aspect except its name, an all-electric version of the 5 Series. That means it's a very accomplished, premium and desirable large saloon car that mixes driver enjoyment with stylish design and excellent comfort levels. And of course, being all-electric, it's free from ULEZ charges.

This is a large car at more than five metres long, which is worth keeping in mind if you'll be wending your way through London's rat runs on a regular basis, but it's agile when it needs to be. It's quick, too, with two different versions to choose from and either 340PS or a massive 601PS. That makes it entertaining when you head out of the city and onto the open road.

The interior is worthy of the even larger i7: great design, top-notch materials and acres of space for driver and passengers alike. If you're worried about boot space, the i5 Touring estate is there if you need it. We'd opt for the eDrive 40 model, which might be the base-spec i5, but it's so well-equipped that you shouldn't want for anything. The M60 performance model is amazing but expensive.

10. MG4

A great value electric car

It's not overstating things to say the MG 4 EV is one of the best mid-size budget electric cars you can buy. And that's no mean feat, because trying to keep down the price of a car packed with relatively new technology isn't easy, yet MG has done a brilliant job with this great-value, feature-filled hatchback.

It's a distinctive car – especially in orange – and those striking looks continue inside. It might not be quite as spacious as other cars of a similar size, but it's a darn sight cheaper to buy. You can choose from a 51kWh battery that will give you a range of up to 218 miles, or there's a Long Range model that will manage up to 281 miles per charge.

Alternatively, you could be tempted by the monstrously powerful, all-wheel-drive MG 4 EV XPower, an electric hot hatch with 435PS, giving you a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds. That's supercar territory, but for the price of a regular family car. Remarkable.