If you are looking to buy a new car, please consider buying the cleanest car you can.

There are two pollutants of concern. Particulates and Nitrogen dioxide (emitted as Nitrogen Oxides, NOx). Both are harmful, however, there is no ‘safe’ level of particulates, making them of greater health concern.

Should I buy a Diesel or Petrol?

• Generally speaking, diesel vehicles less more CO₂, petrol vehicles emit less of other pollutants.
• However, this is slowly changing. Petrol direct injection engines without a particulate filter can have high levels of the smallest (and most dangerous) particulates. The best diesel vehicles can also emit low emissions.

Which cars are actually cleaner? How do I find out which car is clean?

What you should look at:

• Particulates (diesel): If your vehicle is a diesel, it should have a diesel particulate filter if at all possible. This will apply for all Euro 6 vehicles, many Euro 5 vehicles, and some Euro 4 vehicles. If they have a good filter fitted, and it is still working well, the vehicle will emit low levels of particulates – especially the very smallest particulates.
• Particulates (petrol): Petrol direct injection engines should have a particulate filter
• NOx: Look at the equaindex.com to see the levels emitted in actual driving conditions for the vehicle you wish to buy. Some of the worst new cars emit more in town driving than most new lorries.