There was a time the only thing faster than a performance car’s acceleration was the rate at which it burned through fuel.
Improvements in engine technology now mean you can have fast and frugal. Providing you’ve got the time to root out the right models that is.
Luckily we’ve done the hard work for you and picked our favourite company cars that are fun to drive, can sprint from 0-60mph in less than eight seconds and will cost you under £80 a month in tax.
BMW 1 Series
Admittedly this sporty Bavarian hatchback, complete with rear-wheel drive and Ultimate Driving Machine tagline might not be your first thought when looking for an affordable car.
However, thanks to low CO2 of just 99g/km, the 1 Series is actually the second cheapest selection on this list – despite the fact it has an automatic gearbox.
A reasonable 147bhp in the model we’ve picked propels the BMW from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds too, placing it among the fastest cars here. If that heady combination of power and value wasn’t enough, the 1 Series promises 74mpg, the highest figure of our choices.
It also teams straight-line speed with cornering ability. The rear-wheel drive BMW is a real joy to drive on a challenging road thanks to excellent levels of grip and responsive steering.
Vital statistics
- Parkers rating: 4.5 stars
- Pick of the range: BMW 118d SE (Nav)
- P11D price: £24,885
- CO2 emissions: 99g/km
- Monthly tax: £71
- MPG: 74
- Power: 147bhp
- 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
For our full BMW 1 Series review click here
Ford Focus ST
Fast Fords have always served up budget-thrills and this latest generation of the lairy Focus ST is no different.
For the first time the firm’s performance hatchback is available with a diesel engine which means you can enjoy the car’s superb chassis for longer between trips to the pumps.
In fact the diesel ST promises 67mpg and produces just 110g/km of CO2, and choosing one as a company car costs just £75 a month. That’s despite its 182bhp headline figure and 7.8 second 0-60mph time.
It lacks the rear-wheel drive of the BMW but you won’t miss it as the Focus is a superb drive, with firm but well-damped suspension set-up and sharp, accurate steering.
Vital statistics
- Parkers rating: 4.5 stars
- Pick of the range: Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi ST-1 Hatchback
- P11D price: £22,440
- CO2 emissions: 110g/km
- Monthly tax: £75
- MPG: 67
- Power: 182bhp
- 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
For our full Ford Focus review click here
Mazda3
While other manufacturers look at downsizing their engines and boosting power by adding extra turbochargers, Mazda is focusing on reducing weight in order to hit its emissions targets.
As well as improving efficiency (the Mazda 3 produces 107g/km and promises 68mpg) this shaves tenths off the 0-60mph time to just 7.8 seconds. It’s cheap to run too, with a monthly tax bill of just £62, the lowest on our list.
A lighter car also handles better so you can expect high levels of driving enjoyment from the Japanese hatchback, while the Kodo Soul of Motion design language ensures the 3 is one of the sharpest looking in our line-up.
Vital statistics
- Parkers rating: 4 stars
- Pick of the range: Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.2d SE
- P11D price: £19,590
- CO2 emissions: 107g/km
- Monthly tax: £62
- MPG: 68
- Power: 147bhp
- 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
For our full Mazda3 review click here
Volvo V40
Usually associated more with practicality and sensible, well-built interiors than speed, the inclusion of a Volvo may be a surprising one.
The V40 is a great all-rounder and none more so than when equipped with a powerful yet frugal T3 engine which promises an eight second 0-60mph time in exchange for £78 a month.
It may not deliver the cornering thrills of the Ford or BMW we’ve picked out but it’s grippy and resistant to body-roll, plus it certainly delivers in a straight line.
Vital statistics
- Parkers rating: 4 stars
- Pick of the range: Volvo V40 T3 R Design
- P11D price: £23,540
- CO2 emissions: 127g/km
- Monthly tax: £78
- MPG: 51
- Power: 149bhp
- 0-60mph: 8 seconds
For our full Volvo V40 review click here
Alfa Romeo Guilietta
Alfa Romeo made a name for itself with racing cars so it’s no surprise we’ve found one that can accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds.
What is surprising is that it’ll cost you just £78 a month thanks to low a P11D price and CO2 emissions.
While it’s fast in a straight line, there’s not a huge amount of feeling through the steering wheel but you get plenty of grip and a stiff suspension set up to help combat lean while cornering.
The exotic sounding Guilietta will stand out in your company car park as well thanks to sharp styling complete with trademark Alfa grille.
Vital statistics
- Parkers rating: 3.5 stars
- Pick of the range: Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir Sprint Speciale
- P11D price: £23,265
- CO2 emissions: 127g/km
- Monthly tax: £78
- MPG: 51
- Power: 147bhp
- 0-60mph: 7.9 seconds
For our full Alfa Romeo Giulietta review click here
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