In France, the term ‘4 chevaux’ does not refer to the mechanical power of the vehicle, but to its tax horsepower. This classification plays a crucial role in car taxation. The higher the tax horsepower, the higher the tax to be paid.
Knowing the tax horsepower of your vehicle is essential for anticipating the costs related to its registration and various annual taxes. A car with 4 tax horsepower represents a good compromise between performance and cost, appealing to those looking to minimize their expenses without sacrificing too much power.
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What is a tax horsepower and how is it calculated?
The concept of tax horsepower differs from actual horsepower, which measures the mechanical power of an engine. Tax horsepower, indicated in field P6 of the registration document, is used to calculate car taxes. Unlike actual horsepower, mentioned in field P2, tax horsepower takes into account various technical parameters.
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Calculation parameters
- DIN power: expressed in kilowatts (kW), it reflects the actual power of the engine.
- CO2 emissions: a decisive factor in calculating tax horsepower.
For a car with 4 tax horsepower, the calculation result combines these two factors. The formula used varies slightly depending on the type of vehicle (petrol or diesel) and its year of registration. Generally, the higher the DIN power and the greater the CO2 emissions, the higher the number of tax horsepower will be.
Example of calculation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| DIN power | 50 kW |
| CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
| Tax horsepower | 4 CV |
The technical data of your vehicle as well as the information on your registration certificate allow for a precise determination of the number of tax horsepower. For vehicle owners, understanding these criteria is essential for anticipating costs related to automotive taxation.
Impact of tax horsepower on automotive taxation
The impact of tax horsepower on automotive taxation in France is mainly reflected in three aspects: the cost of the registration document, taxes on company vehicles, and insurance premiums.
Cost of the registration document
The number of tax horsepower directly determines the cost of the registration document. In France, each region sets a unit price per tax horsepower. For example, a car with 4 tax horsepower in a region where the tax horsepower costs 42 euros will incur fees of 168 euros (4 x 42).
Taxes on company vehicles
For businesses, the tax on company vehicles (TVS) is also based on tax horsepower. Company vehicles with high tax horsepower will be subject to a heavier TVS. A Ford Focus RS with its 24 tax horsepower will therefore face higher taxation than a standard Ford Focus.
Insurance premiums
Insurance companies calculate premiums taking into account tax horsepower. A car with 4 tax horsepower will be cheaper to insure than another with higher power. Insurers consider that more powerful vehicles present an increased risk of speeding and accidents.
Tax horsepower significantly influences the costs associated with owning and using a vehicle in France. Understanding these implications allows for better anticipation of expenses related to one’s car.