Popular models of car including those made by Nissan, Ford and Mazda are likely to be among the older vehicles not able to use the UK's new E10 petrol.

The eco-friendly fuel will begin arriving on forecourts this month, replacing the current E5 as the standard grade of petrol in the UK.

But an estimated 600,000 vehicles, including those made before or around the early 2000s, some models of moped particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under and many classic cars or 'cherished vehicles', are expected to be incompatible with the new petrol and drivers are being warned to check as soon as possible.

Using data compiled by the government and the RAC Foundation, a list has been put together of 10 of the most popular car makes and models that have vehicles, which won't be able to use E10 from this month. Scroll down for the full list

The most popular of these is the Volkswagen Golf, with more than 28,000 currently registered on UK roads, alongside models of car made by Nissan, Ford and Mazda. Further down the top 10 and among the classic cars likely to be affected by the change is the Morris Minor, of which 12,000 remain registered in the UK.

Numerous message threads from enthusiasts posted on the Morris Minor Owners Club website reveal the concerns of car owners trying to make sense of the changes and what it means for their much treasured vehicles.

Drivers who are not sure if their particular model or make of car is affected by the switch from E5 to E10, can run the details and car's exact specifications through the government's official compatibility checker. However the RAC estimates that around a quarter of drivers still have not done this despite the roll-out having begun.

What to do if you put E10 fuel in an incompatible vehicle?

It is hoped the new E10 grade will contribute to UK efforts to tackle the problems of climate change and meet emissions targets because it is kinder to the environment.

Those unable to use E10 will need to continue using E5 unleaded, which will become the premium grade of petrol and consequently also the more expensive.

Mechanics and motoring organisations are advising drivers not to use the new E10 petrol in any car which is deemed incompatible, because it could cause lasting damage to plastic, metals and seals on the car.

Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, shared his advice on what to do if you accidentally put E10 petrol in your car that isn’t compatible:

He said: “If you accidentally put E10 fuel in your incompatible vehicle, don’t worry. The consequences really aren’t as catastrophic as if you were to put diesel in your unleaded car.

"It shouldn’t be a problem if this is a one off but, if you were to repeatedly use E10 on incompatible car models, the impact could really damage your vehicle's engine in the long run."

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