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Why is my neighbour's manual Zafira cheaper to tax than my equivalent automatic?

My next-door neighbour and I both own Vauxhall Zafiras of about the same age. Mine is 2004/04 registered and his is 2004/54. Both have 1.8 petrol engines. His is a manual whilst mine is an automatic. I understand that his annual Road Fund Tax for last year was some £55 cheaper than mine and I wonder just how that is justified. After all, an automatic is reputed to be heavier on petrol and thus pays more to the government at the pumps.

Asked on 23 November 2013 by RV, Holmfirth,

Answered by Honest John
Because, in order to turn the automatic transmission, the engine of your car emits more CO2. It's not 'Road Fund' tax. It's Vehicle Excise Duty. The money does not go into a 'Road Fund'. It's plain tax.

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