If you are extremely sensitive to exhaust fumes, you could look for a car with a re-circulating air system. A system of this kind does not filter the air, but it provides a cleaner environment than a conventional ventilation and heating system. A conventional system has an air intake direct from outside, entering through vents. Closing these vents and switching off any fan stops most air entering, but then means that you have no ventilation and cannot use the heating. In a re-circulating air system, the system by-passes the normal air intake, and re-circulates air inside the car. This means that you are not taking in fumes continually from outside, and that you can have ventilation and heating operating.
Re-circulating air systems are standard on many larger, more expensive cars, such as the larger Volvos, Mercedes, or Audis. They are installed as standard on Vauxhall Astras from 1991 (‘J’) registration; you have to select the system by switching it on. A garage can instal a re-circulating air system on any car, but it can be costly and you might be better to change car to one on which it is fitted as standard, or else use a car filter in combination with a conventional ventilation system (see below and page 430).
Some models of car have air intake filters. These have been shown to be extremely effective against pollens, particles and chemical fumes in controlled tests. How these work and fuller information is given on page 430. Air intake filters are installed as standard on Vauxhall Astras since 1991 (T) registration and Ford Mondeos. They are also installed as standard on all new models of the BMW 300, 500, and 700, the Lancia Thema, and the Mercedes Roadster SI and SB class. Filters are available as options on the Volvo 400, Volkswagen Golf and Passat. Currently optional on the Audi 80 and 100, they will soon be installed as standard.
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