The saloon has long been the mainstay of the company car driver, and the market is as competitive as ever.
Firms are constantly battling to release more efficient, cheaper-to-run company cars, with many turning to ‘eco’ badging in an effort to appease both drivers and fleet managers looking to keep costs down and save the rainforests at the same time.
Here we’ve picked our five favourite fleet saloons and listed the vital statistics you need to know about.
1. BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics
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Why buy? One fifth of all BMWs sold worldwide are 3-Series, which goes to show just how popular this model is. The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology employed on this derivative helps drive down running costs for both fleet and private buyers, yet in typical BMW fashion the aspects which make the 3-Series a fantastic driver’s car remain too. |
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Vital statistics: 0-62mph: 8 seconds Top speed: 142mph Boot size: 460 litres MPG: 68.9 CO2 emissions (g/km): 109 BIK band/P11d: 13%/£27,845 Monthly cost for 40% tax payer: £121 |
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2. Volvo S40 DRIVe ES stop/start
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Why buy? The chunkily-proportioned S40 is a rugged workhorse that’ll keep on going and going for mile after mile. Imperious reliability meets exemplary driver, passenger and pedestrian safety features to provide a great base for a company car. Coupled with DRIVe fuel-saving technology, the S40 represents a great choice for the company car driver. |
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Vital statistics: 0-62mph: 11.4 seconds Top speed: 121mph Boot size: 404 litres MPG: 74.3 CO2 emissions (g/km): 99 BIK band/P11d: 13%/£20,440 Monthly cost for 40% tax payer: £89 |
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Why buy? Spot the difference between this and the previous version of the Passat. Struggling? As well you should be, because to be frank not much has changed. However, since the car was such a formidable competitor before, there wasn’t too much that needed a nip-and-tuck in the first place. The Passat is still every bit a contender for the crown of ‘best saloon’ and BlueMotion technology adds the eco aspect to proceedings, making it seriously cheap to run as well as excellent to drive. |
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Vital statistics: 0-62mph: 12.2 seconds Top speed: 123mph Boot size: 565 litres MPG: 68.9 CO2 emissions (g/km): 109 BIK band/P11d: 13%/£20,230 Monthly cost for 40% tax payer: £88 |
4. Peugeot 508 Access 1.6 e-HDi EGC
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Why buy? The 407’s replacement is a big step forward for Peugeot. Build quality is much better and the 508 is a seriously comfortable place to be. More conservative styling means it appeals to a broader spectrum of buyers, while a super-frugal diesel engine with stop/start and a low P11d price mean that in this test it is also the cheapest saloon to run for company car drivers. |
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Vital statistics: 0-62mph: 11.9 seconds Top speed: 122mph Boot size: 473 litres MPG: 64.2 CO2 emissions (g/km): 109 BIK band/P11d: 13%/£19,295 Monthly cost for 40% tax payer: £84 |
5. Vauxhall Insignia Exclusiv 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX
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Why buy? Vauxhall’s replacement for the Vectra has proven a very popular car. Excellent on the motorway and boasting a seriously spacious interior, the Insignia makes for an excellent company car. The addition of ecoFlex technology means it is very cheap to tax and run, while the high levels of equipment are sure to keep technophiles happy. |
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Vital statistics: 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds Top speed: 129mph Boot size: 500 litres MPG: 64.2 CO2 emissions (g/km): 116g/km BIK band/P11d: 13%/£22,135 Monthly cost for 40% tax payer: £96 |
Note: Prices correct at time of publication. Models pictured may not represent exact derivatives.
Parker’s Top Tip
You can research the cars you are interested in by reading the full Parkers car review. You can also work out exactly how much you’ll pay on company car tax using our company car tax calculator.