These 10 cars won’t be compatible with new ‘green’ petrol – and it could cost you

If you’re driving around a bit of an old banger, it might be time for an upgrade

The new unleaded petrol known as E10 is set to be rolled out across the nation by the UK government by the end of this summer in a bid to help reduce carbon emissions.

While this step towards green petrol (or at least greener fuel sources) is undoubtedly a positive thing, it does come with a drawback for some people, as it turns out it has an age limit.

E10 fuel is expected to come into effect from September and is already available on the forecourts of certain petrol stations around the country. However, if you happen to have a car that is more than a decade old, you could be at risk of damage or even void your own insurance if you use the new petrol to fill their tanks.

Fortunately, as inconvenient as this shift may be for some people – the biggest since leaded four-star petrol was banned 20 years ago – there is a handy E1o checker that allows motorists to see if their car will be compatible with the new, more eco-friendly petrol.

While you won’t have to worry if your car is a 2011 model or newer, it is worth taking a look at for those driving older vehicles. Birmingham Live did a rundown of ten cars that won’t be compatible with the new E10 green petrol, as well as how many of them are currently estimated to still be in circulation:

1. Volkswagen Golf (28,066)
2. MG MGB (20,890)
3. Mazda MX-5 (18,162)
4. Nissan Micra (15,785)
5. Morris Minor (12,796)
6. Rover 25 (9,879)
7. MG MGF (9,352)
8. Ford Escort (8,947)
9. Rover Mini (7,614)
10. MG TF (7,568)

In terms of the proportion of road users who will be affected by this, E10 is said to be compatible with 95% of cars in the UK, with nearly 260,000 people now driving pure-electric and more than 535,000 plug-ins including hybrids. That being said, the overall benefit far exceeds the slight complications for others.

As for those driving less efficient drivers must swap to super grade E5 fuel if they are to keep driving their unsustainable vehicles. E10 fuel is much more commonplace in Europe already, so this switch shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Either way, if you’re one of these people, it sounds like it’s time for some new wheels.

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