7 Cars You Should Consider Buying Before the New Vehicle Emissions Scheme (VES) Kicks In

On January 2018, the new Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) is set to replace the current Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) for new cars.

The new criterion would include 4 other pollutants, apart from carbon dioxide, these include hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

This will signal bad news for diesel engine cars, which have found their way here and have proven to be popular choices, due to the amount of low-end torque and range their engines can provide. Diesel cars apparently are not alone in this. According to a news report in the Straits Times, Fuel sipping hybrids have also been affected by the new measures.

Mentioned by NEA, there will be five bands that cars will fall into, which will mean rebates or surcharges ranging from $0, $10,000 and $20,000.

A1

≤90

≤0.020

≤0.150

≤0.007

=0.0

-20,000

A2

90< to ≤125

0.020< to ≤0.036

0.150< to ≤0.190

0.007< to ≤0.013

0.0< to ≤0.3

-10,000

B

125< to ≤160

0.036< to ≤0.052

0.190< to ≤0.270

0.013< to ≤0.024

0.3< to ≤0.5

0

C1

160< to ≤185

0.052< to ≤0.075

0.270< to ≤0.350

0.024< to ≤0.030

0.5< to ≤2.0

+10,000

C2

>185

>0.075

>0.350

>0.030

>2.0

+20,000

While it is intended to be a fairer system, it may throw up a few (not-so-nice) surprises.

Here are seven cars you will benefit from the current CEV scheme, before the new scheme takes place next year.

Currently, the popular hybrid compact enjoys a rebate of $30,000, making this an attractive option as a compact family car. Plenty of passenger space mixes well with fuel sipping economy, giving the Prius comfort and range. A healthy combination.

Kia’s first hybrid car just hit our shores. We tested the compact car, recently. Currently the 88g/km snags the Niro compact crossover a $30,000 rebate.

The newly launched Megane comes with a frugal 1.5 litre turbocharged diesel, which currently enjoys a $30,000 rebate, due to the Euro 6 engines low 95 g/km of CO2. The Privilege trim model we tested was fully loaded with tech and creature spoils.

The quirky hatch/crossover/almost-coupe luxury car utilises a 1.5 turbocharged diesel engine. The 113 g/km CO2 produced by this car puts it in Band A3, meaning that it gets a $10,000 rebate.

We tested the Civic just a short while ago. Turbocharging for the 1.5 seemed a good idea to squeeze a good amount of power from the small engine, with the current CEVs, there is a $5,000 rebate, helping to keep this performer competitively priced.

The right-sized 3 cylinder engine makes the Astra a fuel sipper, while delivering surprisingly good performance. Styling-wise, the Astra does give a coupe-like impression. C02 emissions fall within the Band A2 segment, meaning that you will enjoy $15,000 off the car.

Citroen’s other brand… The DS4 Crossback is a crossover, based on a hatch. Good looking proportions paired with torquey 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel, makes a rather appealing ride. While it gives you range, the 102 g/km, puts this car into Band A2, meaning a $15,000 rebate.

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