Gormley introduces new energy-rating system for cars

A NEW energy-rating system for vehicles shows how driving a medium-sized car can help the environment and save money.

The new rating system, launched by Minister for the Environment John Gormley yesterday, will allow consumers to compare fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions, vehicle registration tax (VRT) and annual road tax.

The labels are to be displayed on all new vehicles from July 1st, to coincide with the introduction of new VRT and road taxes based on CO2 emissions.

The labels are initially being displayed with the agreement of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, but will be a legal requirement for all new vehicles by the end of this year.

Seven bands, labelled A to G, are indicated by the new system. They range from the fuel-efficient, low carbon-emitting A band, where VRT is just 14 per cent and road tax is €100 a year, to the high carbon-emitting G band, where VRT is 36 per cent and road tax is €2,000 a year.

Mr Gormley said the labelling system would demonstrate that newer vehicles with more fuel-efficient engines could save consumers money, while being kinder to the environment.

Mr Gormley put four cars on display at the Custom House in Dublin to make his point.

Of the four displayed, the car with the largest engine was a diesel Skoda Octavia Elegance. VRT is 16 per cent, road tax is €150 and the estimated annual fuel use for 18,000km is 882 litres. The Octavia attracted a B rating.

Next was a Peugeot 308 SV. VRT is 16 per cent, road tax is €150 and fuel consumed over 18,000km is expected to be 846 litres. The 308 SV also had a B rating.

The Fiat 500 1.3 litre attracts a VRT of 14 per cent and annual road tax of €100, while it is expected to consume 756 litres of diesel over 18,000km. The Fiat attracts an A rating.

Also on display was the Toyota Prius 1.5 Hybrid Synergy Drive, similar to the Minister’s State car, which attracts 14 per cent VRT. Annual road tax is €100 and the Prius consumes 774 litres over 18,000km.