Renault VRT Calculator

Renault Import Value

Renault continues to be a strong choice for Irish importers, offering a diverse range spanning from the compact Clio to the all-electric Zoe. The brand's emphasis on fuel-efficient TCe petrol engines and the increasingly popular E-Tech hybrid range means most Renault models sit in favourable VRT bands. Competitive pricing in the UK market further improves the value proposition.

Renault VRT Sweet Spots

• Clio 1.0 TCe: Compact hatchback champion with low emissions
• Captur 1.3 TCe: Compact SUV with petrol efficiency
• Megane E-Tech Hybrid: Family hatchback with hybrid VRT savings
• Zoe Electric: Zero-emission driving with full EV relief

Renault Models and VRT Profiles

Renault has been steadily moving its model range toward lower CO2 figures, and that shift shows directly in the VRT calculations. The older diesel options are still around in the second-hand import market, but the TCe petrol engines and E-Tech hybrids consistently land in lower VRT bands, saving you money at registration time.

VRT by Renault Model

• Clio 1.0 TCe (110-120g CO2): The 14% band applies. A 2021 Clio at 20,000 OMSP costs about 2,800 in VRT, making it one of the cheapest French imports.
• Captur 1.3 TCe (130-140g CO2): Moves into the 16% band. A 2021 Captur at 24,000 works out at roughly 3,840 in VRT.
• Arkana 1.3 TCe (135-145g CO2): Hits the 16 to 20% band depending on spec. At 28,000 OMSP you are looking at around 4,480 to 5,600 in VRT.
• Megane E-Tech Hybrid (105-115g CO2): Sits in the 14% band with hybrid efficiency. A 2021 Megane E-Tech at 27,000 OMSP costs about 3,780 in VRT.
• Zoe ZE50 (0g CO2): Electric relief drops VRT to around 5%. A 2021 Zoe at 25,000 costs about 1,250 in VRT.

The Diesel Question

Renault's Blue dCi diesel engines were once the default choice for Irish importers buying Megane, Kadjar, and Scenic models. But the combination of the NOx levy, higher CO2-based rates, and softening diesel resale values has made petrol and hybrid the smarter choices. A Megane 1.5 Blue dCi at 130g/km sits in the 16% band but attracts a NOx levy of 600 to 1,200. The equivalent 1.3 TCe petrol has slightly lower CO2 and no NOx levy. The diesel still makes sense if you cover over 25,000 kilometres a year, but the gap has closed significantly.

Renault Models and Their VRT Costs in Ireland

Not every Renault costs the same to import. The VRT bill depends on engine size, fuel type, and how much CO2 the car puts out. Some Renault models land in low VRT bands and end up costing very little to register. Others, particularly older diesels or performance variants, can sting you a bit more. Here is what you are actually looking at with the most common Renault imports.

Clio

The Clio is one of the most popular Renault imports to Ireland and consistently delivers low VRT figures. The 1.0 TCe petrol engine produces around 110 to 120g/km CO2, placing it firmly in the 14 percent VRT band. A 2020 Clio 1.0 TCe with 115g/km CO2 at an OMSP of around 20,000 will cost roughly 2,800 in VRT. The Clio RS Line trim is popular with Irish buyers and adds a bit of sporty styling without pushing emissions up significantly. The 1.3 TCe engine in the higher trims produces about 125g/km, which still sits in the 16 percent band, keeping the VRT manageable. The Clio dCi 1.5 diesel sits at around 110g/km, so it also qualifies for the 14 percent band, but the NOx levy adds 600 to 1,000 on top. The petrol Clio avoids that levy entirely.

Captur

The Captur is Renault's compact crossover and a strong seller in the Irish import market. The 1.3 TCe petrol Captur produces around 130 to 140g/km CO2, putting it in the 16 percent VRT band. At 24,000 OMSP that works out at roughly 3,840 in VRT before age relief. The 1.5 dCi diesel Captur sits around 120g/km, so it qualifies for the 14 percent band, but the NOx levy of 600 to 1,200 narrows the gap. The E-Tech hybrid Captur is the most interesting option. With CO2 around 115g/km it lands in the 14 percent band and benefits from hybrid efficiency. On a 26,000 OMSP car, the VRT is about 3,640, and there is no NOx levy to worry about.

Megane

The Megane has been a staple of Irish imports for years, available in hatchback, Sport Tourer estate, and the high-performance RS variants. The 1.3 TCe petrol Megane produces 125 to 135g/km CO2, which puts it in the 16 percent band. A 2020 Megane 1.3 TCe at 26,000 OMSP would cost about 4,160 in VRT. The Megane E-Tech plug-in hybrid is a different proposition entirely. With CO2 as low as 105g/km, it sits in the 14 percent band. A 2021 Megane E-Tech at 28,000 OMSP would cost about 3,920 in VRT, saving roughly 1,200 compared to a diesel equivalent. The Megane RS with its 1.8 turbo petrol churns out 190 to 200g/km, landing it in the 28 to 32 percent bands. On a 35,000 OMSP car you are looking at 9,800 to 11,200 in VRT. The RS is a car you import for the driving experience, not the tax bill.

Kadjar

The Kadjar is Renault's family SUV and shares its platform with the Nissan Qashqai. The 1.3 TCe petrol Kadjar produces 135 to 145g/km CO2, sitting in the 16 to 20 percent band depending on the exact spec. A 2020 Kadjar 1.3 TCe at 27,000 OMSP would cost around 4,320 to 5,400 in VRT. The 1.5 dCi diesel Kadjar produces about 125g/km, which keeps it in the 16 percent band, but again the NOx levy adds cost. The Kadjar was not offered as a hybrid in its first generation, meaning the newer Austral has taken over as the more VRT-efficient family SUV in the Renault range.

Arkana

The Arkana is Renault's coupe-SUV with a sloping roofline that gives it a distinctive look. The 1.3 TCe petrol produces 135 to 145g/km CO2, putting it in the 16 to 20 percent band. A 2021 Arkana 1.3 TCe at 28,000 OMSP works out at roughly 4,480 to 5,600 in VRT. The E-Tech hybrid Arkana is the smarter buy. With CO2 around 115g/km, it sits comfortably in the 14 percent band. On the same 28,000 OMSP, the hybrid Arkana would cost about 3,920 in VRT, saving you over 1,500 compared to the petrol version in the higher band. The hybrid also returns better fuel economy in town driving, making it a genuinely better option for most buyers.

Austral

The Austral is Renault's newest SUV, replacing the Kadjar, and it comes exclusively with electrified powertrains. The Austral E-Tech full hybrid produces around 105 to 115g/km CO2, which places it in the 14 percent VRT band. At 32,000 OMSP you are looking at roughly 4,480 in VRT. The Austral mild hybrid 1.3 TCe with 48V technology produces about 125g/km, sitting in the 16 percent band and costing roughly 5,120 on the same OMSP. The full hybrid version is the clear winner for VRT efficiency. The Austral is still relatively new to the second-hand import market, so supply is limited, but the cars that do appear are well-specced and popular with Irish buyers.

Renault E-Tech Hybrid and Electric Range

Renault's E-Tech hybrid and electric technology represents the most VRT-efficient part of the lineup. The E-Tech system uses a clever multi-mode clutchless transmission that Renault developed specifically for hybrid applications. It delivers genuine efficiency gains that translate directly into lower CO2 figures and lower VRT bills. Understanding the differences between the hybrid and full-electric options will help you pick the model that saves you the most at registration.

Arkana E-Tech Hybrid

The Arkana E-Tech hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. The system produces about 145 horsepower and achieves CO2 emissions of around 115g/km, which puts it in the 14 percent VRT band. A 2022 Arkana E-Tech at 30,000 OMSP would cost roughly 4,200 in VRT. The hybrid system allows for short-distance electric-only driving at low speeds, which improves fuel economy in town driving to about 55 miles per gallon in real-world conditions. The E-Tech hybrid is noticeably more efficient than the 1.3 TCe petrol Arkana, which sits in the 16 to 20 percent bands and costs more in VRT. Over a three-year ownership period the fuel savings add another 1,500 to 2,000 on top of the VRT saving.

Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid

The Megane E-Tech plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 9.8 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. It offers an electric-only range of around 50 kilometres, which means many commuters can do their daily drive without using any petrol at all. The CO2 figure is just 105g/km for VRT purposes, placing it in the 14 percent band. A 2021 Megane E-Tech PHEV at 28,000 OMSP would cost about 3,920 in VRT. The plug-in hybrid qualifies for the same VRT treatment as a standard hybrid, but the lower CO2 figure means you are right at the bottom of the 14 percent band. If you can charge at home, the fuel savings of around 1,000 per year make the PHEV version significantly cheaper to run than the petrol-only Megane.

Zoe Electric

The Zoe is Renault's full electric hatchback and the most VRT-efficient model in the entire range. With zero CO2 emissions, it qualifies for the full 50 percent electric vehicle VRT relief, bringing the effective rate down to around 5 percent. A 2021 Zoe ZE50 at 25,000 OMSP would cost roughly 1,250 in VRT, which is remarkably low for a car of that value. The Zoe comes with a 52 kWh battery that delivers a real-world range of about 240 to 260 kilometres, depending on driving style and weather conditions. The earlier ZE40 models with a 41 kWh battery have a shorter range of around 200 kilometres. Both versions qualify for the same EV relief. The Zoe is one of the cheapest cars to import to Ireland when you account for VRT, and the running costs are minimal because electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel. The only downsides are the limited range compared to newer EVs and the fact that the Zoe uses a Type 2 AC charging connector rather than the CCS standard, which means rapid DC charging is not available.

Renault has committed to an electric future with its Renaulution strategy, and the Megane E-Tech Electric and Scenic E-Tech Electric are now arriving on the market. These newer models offer longer range and faster charging than the Zoe, but they also come with higher OMSPs that increase the absolute VRT amount even at the reduced 5 percent rate. The Zoe remains the best value-for-money Renault EV for the Irish import market.

Importing a Renault from the UK

Plenty of Irish buyers still look to the UK for Renault imports, even after Brexit changed the financial maths. The UK market has a bigger selection, particularly for higher-spec models and newer registrations, and prices can be lower than the Irish second-hand market. But you need to know what you are getting into with the costs.

The Process

First, you buy the car from a UK dealer or private seller. You will need to arrange shipping or collection. Several companies operate ferry services from Holyhead to Dublin or Rosslare, and you can also get the car trucked over. Shipping typically costs between 300 and 800 euro depending on where the car is in the UK and how you get it here.

Once the car arrives in Ireland you have 30 days to register it with Revenue. You need to complete the VRT registration process at a motor tax office or through the Revenue online system. Bring the UK registration document (V5C), your proof of purchase, ID, and proof of insurance. Revenue will assess the car's OMSP based on the make, model, engine, year, and mileage. They use their own database, not the price you paid, so do not assume a lower purchase price means lower VRT.

Customs and VAT

Since Brexit, importing from the UK means paying customs duty at 10 percent on top of the vehicle price, plus VAT at 23 percent on the combined value of the car plus customs duty. On a 20,000 car that works out at roughly 2,000 in customs duty and about 5,260 in VAT. Some vehicles may qualify for a reduced customs rate depending on the rules of origin under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, but this is complicated and you should check with a customs broker.

The total extra cost on top of the purchase price is usually between 8,000 and 12,000 euro when you add customs duty, VAT, shipping, and insurance. For a Renault Clio at 14,000 in the UK, the all-in cost including VRT, customs, VAT, and shipping could easily hit 25,000 or more. You need to compare that against what a similar car costs in the Irish market before you commit.

What to Watch For

Check the car's service history carefully. UK cars sometimes have different service intervals than Irish cars. For Renault models, the timing belt replacement schedule on the 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe engines is typically every 6 years or 80,000 kilometres, and a missed belt change is an expensive repair. Make sure the DPF filter has been maintained on any Blue dCi diesel model. Get an independent inspection if you cannot see the car in person. Some UK cars have been in accidents that are not obvious from photos. Also check if the car has outstanding finance or has been written off. The HPI check in the UK is equivalent to the Irish vehicle history check and you should run one before you buy.

Renault VRT Cost Examples

Here are three worked examples showing how VRT adds up on common Renault imports. These use the current CO2 bands and assume standard age depreciation rules. Your actual VRT may differ slightly based on Revenue's valuation of your specific car.

Example 1 — Clio 1.0 TCe (2021)

You find a 2021 Clio 1.0 TCe in the UK priced at 13,000. The car has 115g/km CO2, which puts it in the 14 percent VRT band. Revenue's OMSP assessment comes in at 20,000 (they tend to value slightly above the purchase price). The car is two years old at the time of import, so a 10 percent age depreciation is applied. That brings the adjusted value to 18,000. The VRT at 14 percent is 2,520. Add in customs duty of 1,300, VAT of about 3,679, and shipping of 500. Total additional costs are roughly 7,999. The all-in cost is around 20,999 for a car that would sell for about 19,000 to 21,000 in the Irish market. The Clio import is viable if you find a well-specced car at a good UK price.

Example 2 — Captur 1.3 TCe (2021)

A 2021 Captur 1.3 TCe in the UK at 18,000. The CO2 is 135g/km, which lands in the 16 percent band. Revenue's OMSP assessment is 24,000. The car is two years old, so a 10 percent age reduction applies, bringing the adjusted value to 21,600. The VRT at 16 percent is 3,456. Customs duty is 1,800, VAT is about 5,154, and shipping is 500. Total additional costs come to roughly 10,910. All-in cost is about 28,910. A comparable Captur from an Irish dealer would cost around 27,000 to 30,000. The import is feasible if you find a well-specced car or a rare colour combination.

Example 3 — Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid (2022)

A 2022 Megane E-Tech PHEV at 23,000 in the UK. The CO2 is 105g/km, placing it in the 14 percent band. Revenue's OMSP is 28,000. At one year old the age depreciation is 10 percent, so the adjusted value is 25,200. The VRT is 3,528. Customs duty is 2,300, VAT is about 6,439, and shipping is 500. Total additional costs are around 12,767. The all-in price is 35,767. A similar Megane E-Tech in Ireland would cost 34,000 to 36,000. The import is tight on cost but the UK car may have a higher specification or lower mileage that makes it worthwhile. The E-Tech hybrid also gives you lower running costs than a petrol or diesel Megane.

These examples are estimates. Revenue's OMSP database is updated regularly and your specific car may be valued differently. Use our calculator above to get a more precise figure for your exact model and year.

Renault Diesel vs Petrol VRT Comparison

Renault has been transitioning its engine range from diesel to petrol and hybrid over the past few years, and this shift has significant implications for VRT. The old assumption that a diesel Renault is the most economical choice no longer holds true. The combination of CO2-based VRT, the NOx levy, and changing buyer preferences means petrol and hybrid Renaults now offer better overall value for most importers.

A Renault Clio 1.0 TCe petrol produces around 115g/km CO2, which puts it in the 14 percent VRT band. The Clio 1.5 dCi diesel produces about 110g/km, which is also in the 14 percent band. On a car valued at 20,000 OMSP, both have a VRT of roughly 2,800 before age relief. However, the diesel Clio attracts a NOx levy of 600 to 1,000 depending on the year, while the petrol Clio has no NOx levy. The petrol also has lower annual road tax at 190 euros compared to the diesel's 250 euros. Over three years the petrol Clio saves you about 1,100 in combined tax.

The gap widens on larger models. The Renault Captur 1.3 TCe petrol produces around 135g/km CO2, sitting in the 16 percent band. The Captur 1.5 dCi diesel produces about 120g/km, which puts it in the 14 percent band. On a car at 24,000 OMSP, the petrol Captur has a VRT of 3,840, while the diesel costs 3,360. But the NOx levy adds 800 to 1,200 on top of the diesel, bringing the diesel's total tax to 4,160 to 4,560 compared to 3,840 for the petrol. The diesel also requires more frequent DPF-related maintenance and has higher annual road tax. The only scenario where the diesel Captur makes sense is if you do over 30,000 kilometres a year, where the fuel economy advantage of the diesel can offset the higher tax over three to four years.

The Megane E-Tech hybrid neatly sidesteps the whole debate. With CO2 around 105g/km, a 14 percent VRT rate, no NOx levy, and annual road tax of about 170 euros, the hybrid offers the best of both worlds. The VRT on a 28,000 OMSP Megane E-Tech is 3,920, and there are no additional levies. The real-world fuel economy of about 60 miles per gallon in mixed driving means the hybrid is cheaper to run than both the petrol and diesel versions. For most Renault importers, the E-Tech hybrid is now the default recommendation.

Best Renault Models for VRT Value in 2026

Renault's range offers some of the most VRT-efficient models in the Irish import market, particularly the TCe petrol engines and the E-Tech hybrid range. The brand's focus on affordable, efficient vehicles means that even at higher VRT percentage rates, the absolute cost in euros remains manageable. Here are the Renault models that currently offer the best balance of purchase price, VRT cost, and long-term value.

The Renault Clio 1.0 TCe is the king of VRT value in the Renault range. With CO2 emissions as low as 110g/km, it sits in the 14 percent VRT band. A 2021 Clio 1.0 TCe Play with an OMSP of 19,000 would cost roughly 2,660 in VRT before age relief. The Clio is cheap to insure, fuel-efficient, and parts are widely available in Ireland. For a first-time import or a budget-conscious buyer, the Clio offers the lowest total cost of any Renault import. The 1.0 TCe engine is surprisingly refined for a three-cylinder and delivers adequate performance for daily driving, with 90 to 100 horsepower depending on the tune.

The Renault Arkana E-Tech Hybrid is the best VRT play in the SUV segment. With CO2 emissions around 115g/km, it sits in the 14 percent band. A 2021 Arkana E-Tech with an OMSP of 28,000 would cost roughly 3,920 in VRT before age relief. The E-Tech hybrid system delivers genuine fuel savings in town driving, and the coupe-SUV styling means the car holds its value well on the Irish used market. The Arkana E-Tech is noticeably more efficient than the 1.3 TCe petrol version, which sits in the 16 or 20 percent bands depending on exact CO2 figures.

The Renault Zoe Electric is the absolute cheapest Renault to register for VRT. With zero CO2 emissions and the 50 percent EV relief, the effective VRT rate is around 5 percent. A 2021 Zoe ZE50 at 25,000 OMSP would cost roughly 1,250 in VRT. The Zoe makes sense for buyers who do mostly city and suburban driving and can charge at home. The limited DC charging capability means it is less practical for long-distance driving, but as a second car or a commuter, the Zoe is one of the most cost-effective imports you can make. The annual road tax of just 120 euros and the low cost of electricity versus petrol add further savings.

Renault Import Considerations: UK vs Mainland Europe

While the vast majority of Renault imports to Ireland come from the UK, some buyers consider importing from mainland Europe. The choice is worth examining because Renaults from different markets have different specifications, pricing, and VRT implications. Understanding the trade-offs helps you make an informed decision.

UK imports are by far the most common for Renault models, and for good reason. UK Renaults are right-hand drive, which is what the Irish market demands. The specifications are similar to what you find in Ireland, with the same engine options, trim levels, and infotainment systems. The UK market has excellent supply of Renault models across the full range from Clio to Austral. A 2021 Clio in the UK is easy to find in any trim and colour combination you want. The import process is well-established and the VRT calculation is predictable because Revenue has extensive data on UK Renault models.

Mainland European Renaults are typically left-hand drive and are less attractive to Irish buyers. A left-hand drive Renault will sell for 15 to 25 percent less on the Irish used market than an equivalent right-hand drive car, which means you lose a significant portion of the initial VRT investment when you come to sell. The only exception is if the car is a rare or desirable model that was not sold in the UK, such as some special-edition Clio RS models or the Alpine-badged variants. For standard Renault models, a left-hand drive import is almost never worth the VRT and resale value penalty.

French market Renaults are a niche option that some importers consider. French cars are generally well-maintained and often have lower mileage than UK cars of the same age. However, French Renaults frequently have different specifications, including navigation systems set up for French maps, radio frequencies that differ from Irish bands, and speedometers in kilometres per hour. The OMSP for French imports tends to be higher because of their typically lower mileage and cleaner condition, which increases the VRT. France also has a certificate of sale process that is more bureaucratic than the UK V5C system. For most Renault importers, the UK market remains the best source by a wide margin.