A more fuel-efficient car and smarter driving can save you money and the environment.

Going a little greener by driving a more CO2 and fuel-efficient car is just another way of helping to reduce the effects of Climate Change and it can also help to save you money.

This car purchase page highlights key steps you can take when choosing a new car

By supporting the Department for Transport, Renault is determined to safeguard the environment by offering ecological and economical cars whilst still being affordable for its customers. With more and more vehicles meeting the eco2 requirements of vehicles under 140g/km, you do not have to compromise on the car of your choice. This gives you the freedom to buy the vehicle you actually want whilst considering the environment at the same time.

Whichever car you choose, here are some useful tips that you can use to help make your decision.

Tip 1. Consider the car you want
In very general terms, smaller cars tend to be more fuel-efficient and emit less CO2, so ask yourself questions about what you want the car for. Do I really need six seats for a family of four? Could I make do with a smaller boot if I only use the car for shopping?

Tip 2. The engine matters
Once you have decided on the type of car, check out the different models and engine options. Most models offer a range of engines that vary in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Tip 3. Petrol or diesel?
Petrol and diesel engines have different effects on the environment. Engines powered by diesel generally produce less CO2 but more air quality pollutant emissions than their petrol counterparts. However, which one should you choose? As a rule of thumb, if most of the driving you do is long distance or motorway driving then consider a diesel engine for fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. On the other hand, if you spend more time in town, where air quality is a greater consideration, then a petrol engine may be better suited.

Tip 4. Look for the label
Most new cars in a car showroom have a colour-coded fuel efficiency rating like fridges and washing machines. The coding is from band A to band G, with bands A and B representing cars that emit the least CO2, as well as having lower car tax. The lower the emission band, the less the tax you will pay. The label is also a guide to the running costs you can expect over 12,000 miles so you can compare how much different cars cost to run.

Tip 5. Ask about fuel efficiency
Ask about the efficiency and environmental performance of your chosen car and the helpful extras available. For example, 'particulates' are emissions released when fuel is burnt that are harmful to local air quality. Nevertheless, on some cars an optional extra called a DPF (diesel particulate filter) can be fitted to reduce these emissions from diesel engines. As petrol cars produce fewer particulates, filters are not generally needed for petrol engines.

Tip 6. Be a smarter driver
There are smarter ways to drive your car that help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.