The company car market accounts for over 50 percent of new car sales here in the UK but which are the most popular cars?
Based on data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), here are the top company car sellers of the year so far (January to October).
To help you decide on which car to choose as your next company car, we’ve picked the ideal engine and trim choice for company car drivers that combine low tax-related costs, high fuel economy and good levels of kit.
1. Ford Focus
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The biggest-selling company car seller by some margin, the Ford Focus has been at the top of the sales chart for the past few years. Packed with the latest kit, the Focus is good to drive, practical with low tax and running costs.
Our top company car pick from the range is the 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic Zetec, which despite not being the cleanest car in the range, offers an impressive balance between performance and low running costs. It also comes loaded with kit with Bluetooth, DAB radio and alloy wheels as standard.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £19,145
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 14%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £44.58
MPG: 76.4mpg
To read our road test of the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic Zetec click here
The Volkswagen Golf is one of the iconic cars of recent years with a string of awards to its name, including the 2013 World Car of the Year.
Our top company car pick for the range would be the 1.6 TDI BlueMotion which is little more expensive than the similarly-sounding 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology, but with CO2 emissions of only 85g/km and an impressive fuel economy figure of 88.3mpg, its low running costs will certainly appeal.
Standard equipment is well-matched to the price tag too with some essential kit for company car drivers like Bluetooth, air conditioning and DAB radio all included.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £21,270
CO2 emissions: 85g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 13%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £46.09
MPG: 88.3mpg
To read our road test of the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion click here
Despite the latest model being launched back in 2009, the Astra’s popularity is still going strong. Helping the dated Vauxhall Astra to stand out from the crowd is a dedicated trim for company car drivers called TechLine.
This grade is perfectly equipped for company car drivers with sat-nav, USB connection, Bluetooth, DAB Radio and cruise control all fitted as standard. Combine that with low running costs and a competitive tax bill, the Astra ticks all the boxes.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £19,810
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 14%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £46.22
MPG: 76.3mpg
To read our road test of the Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX TechLine click here
4. Ford Fiesta
The UK’s number one selling car slips to fourth when it comes to the company car world.
Our company car pick has to be accompanied by the award-winning EcoBoost engine which, despite being a petrol engine has CO2 emissions of only 99g/km and an official fuel consumption figure of 65.7mpg.
In Zetec trim the Fiesta comes well equipped with air-con, USB connector, leather interior details and heated windscreen. If you’re after DAB radio or sat-nav, options are reasonably priced.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £14,495
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 11%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £26.57
MPG: 65.7mpg
To read our full road test of the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost, click here
The Corsa is still a popular choice for both retail and company car drivers alike despite the latest model being launched in 2006. It comes with competitive figures for CO2 emissions and fuel economy thanks to a line-up of frugal engines.
Our company car pick would be the 1.3 CDTi 16v ecoFLEX Start/Stop which has low CO2 emissions of 100g/km and impressive fuel economy. In SE trim standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning and CD/MP3 CD player with four speakers.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £16,830
CO2 emissions: 100g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 15%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £42.08
MPG: 74.3mpg
To read our road test of the Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi click here
Despite starting to look its age and with a new model, shown above, set for launch early next year, the Nissan Qashqai still outsells all other 4×4 cars in the company car and retail sectors.
Deliveries start in February for the new Qashqai, to keep the tax costs down we would opt for the 1.5 dCi 108bhp engine which produces just 99g/km of CO2 while returning a claimed 74.3mpg combined figure. In Acenta trim the Qashqai offers a good level of standard specification including dual-zone automatic air conditioning, premium leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth and a ‘Luggage Board System’.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £20,840
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 14%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £48.63
MPG: 74.3mpg
The award-winning BMW 3 series has long been one of the most popular company car choices for user choosers and fleet managers alike.
Now in its sixth generation, the latest version was launched only last year and brings with it a more spacious interior with a bigger boot, and a driver-focused cabin accompanied by high-end materials.
Our choice for company car drivers would be the 320d EfficientDynamics which offers impressively low running costs, combined with some good performance figures, with 160bhp available and a 0-62 time of 7.7 seconds. When it comes to kit, cruise control, Bluetooth and parking sensors all come as standard.
Figures at a glance;
Price: £28,410
CO2 emissions: 109 g/km
2013/14 Tax Band: 16%
Monthly Tax for 20% taxpayer: £75.76
MPG: 68.9mpg
Click here to read our road test of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics.
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