Compact 4x4s have seen a rise in popularity in recent years and now, thanks to improvements in engine efficiency and CO2 emissions, they also make a viable company car choice.
But which of the compact 4x4s on your user-chooser list will save you money in company car tax? As always, Parkers is here to help.
We’ve picked the best of the bunch that offer the lowest tax costs, in the trims that make the most sense for company car drivers.
All are two-wheel drive diesel models (helping keep costs down) with five seats, offer fuel economy over 50mpg and have CO2 emissions under 135g/km.
So without further ado:
No surprises here – the new 2014 Qashqai is top of our list of low-tax compact 4x4s, offering CO2 emissions of only 99g/km and impressive fuel economy figures.
Not only that, but the 2014 model features an upgraded interior and a refreshed design too.
We have chosen the Acenta Premium trim which is near the top of the range so you could potentially lower your tax costs further if you pick the Acenta or entry-level Visia trim.
But we think the few extra quid is worth it here with sat-nav, DAB radio, panoramic sunroof, parking camera and sensors, high beam assist and lane departure warning system among the highlights included over the Acenta trim.
Top choice: 1.5dCi Acenta Premium
P11D price: £22,635
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
Official combined MPG: 74.3mpg
Power: 108bhp
2014/15 BIK Taxation: 15 percent
Monthly tax costs*: £56.59
A top low-tax list isn’t complete without a Vauxhall, and the Mokka ranks highly here thanks to its low P11D price helping to keep tax costs below £60 a month.
Official fuel economy is 62.8mpg which should help save you money at the pumps too, especially if you travel a lot of miles every year.
Tech Line trim offers a good level of kit including some key kit for company car drivers including DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, USB connection and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Top choice: 1.7CDTi Tech Line
P11D price: £17,694
CO2 emissions: 120g/km
Official combined MPG: 62.8mpg
Power: 128bhp
2014/15 BIK Taxation: 20 percent
Monthly tax costs*: £58.98
The Skoda Yeti is a firm favourite for both retail buyers and company car drivers with its rugged styling and competitive running costs.
CO2 emissions are low at 119g/km, but the engine choice here does lack performance with only 103bhp available; the lowest of our list.
In SE trim the Yeti comes well equipped, although not as extensively as others here. Standard kit includes cruise control, eight speakers, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels and leather interior touches.
If you’re after sat-nav it’ll cost over £500 to add as an extra which over the course of the year will make very little impact to your monthly tax bill.
Top choice: 1.6TDi SE GreenLine II
P11D price: £19,550
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Official combined MPG: 61.4mpg
Power: 103bhp
2014/15 BIK Taxation: 19 percent
Monthly tax costs*: £61.91
.jpg)
Mitsubishi may not be the first manufacturer you think of when looking to pick your next company car, but the Japanese firm is currently enjoying growth here in the UK and its profile is rising.
The ASX offers something different from the mainstream models and while its CO2 emissions are quite high, its low P11D price counters monthly tax costs keeping them relatively low.
In the 3 trim the highlights from the standard specification list include Bluetooth, USB port, climate control, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass.
If your after sat-nav and DAB radio you will need to choose the Kenwood entertainment system in the options list which is quite pricey. Sat-nav is available as standard on the top of the range 4 trim which is only available in four-whel drive and bumps the price up to over £22,000.
Top choice: 1.8DOCH 3
P11D price: £18,750
CO2 emissions: 134g/km
Official combined MPG: 55.4mpg
Power: 114bhp
2014/15 BIK Taxation: 22 percent
Monthly tax costs*: £68.75
Mazda has been working hard over the past few years to rebrand as a car manufacturer of choice, and the new Kudu design style is particularly easy on the eye.
Mazda’s clever SkyActiv technology helps to keep CO2 emissions low and fuel economy high. With 148bhp available, it’s pretty powerful too.
Because of these low emissions, the CX-5 becomes a lot more affordable as it is a tad expensive when you look at the P11D price.
SE-L Nav trim is the most popular trim choice and makes the most sense for company car drivers as it includes vital equipment that will make your life easier and more comfortable on the road.
Standard equipment includes sat-nav, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control, USB port, climate control and tinted glass.
Top choice: 2.2d SKYACTIV SE-L Nav
P11D price: £23,940
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
Official combined MPG: 61.4mpg
Power: 148bhp
2014/15 BIK Taxation: 19 percent
Monthly tax costs*: £75.81
*Monthly tax costs are based on a 20 percent tax payer during the 2014/15 tax year, assuming no optional extras.