Although we don’t like to think about it, tax forms a key part of the decision-making process when picking your next company car.
Choose one with high CO2 emissions (if your fleet manager allows) and you’ll pay dearly in BIK. With the bands on the rise, it’ll only get worse over the three or four years of ownership too. But car manufacturers are making a conscious effort to reduce CO2 emissions, and now there’s more choice of low-emission company cars then ever before.
We’ve highlighted 10, all of which emit under 100g/km, have five doors and use diesel engines.
Audi A1 Sportback
The smallest member of the Audi family is big news for the German firm, proving a huge hit. After a mid-life facelift in 2014, the engines were revised, and the 1.6-litre diesel offers a combined fuel economy of 80.7mpg and only 92g/km of CO2. That means it slots into a 16 percent BIK tax band for the current 2015/16 tax year.
In entry-level SE trim the A1 comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch multimedia screen, DAB Radio and start/stop as standard. However, don’t discount the A3 Sportback, which emits less than 99g/km of CO2 either.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.6TDI SE
P11d price: £15,995
CO2 emissions: 92g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £42.65
MPG: 80mpg
Power: 114bhp
Parkers star rating: 5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Audi A1 Sportback
Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai saved Nissan, and was one of the most popular cars in the UK last year – and it’s easy to see why. Sharp looks, low CO2 emissions, impressive fuel economy (especially from the 1.5-litre dCi Acenta+) and low running costs make it an appealling all-rounder.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, automatic headlamps and wipers, DAB Radio, keyless entry, a rear view camera and a panoramic glass roof.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.5 dCi Acenta+
P11d price: £23,395
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £66.29
MPG: 74mpg
Power: 108bhp
Parkers star rating: 5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf’s mix of practical features, low running costs and generous levels of kit make it a hugely popular choice, both for company and private users.
For those wanting the best in fuel economy (ignoring hybrid and electric models), the Bluemotion is the model you require, thanks to its 88.3mpg and 85g/km CO2 emissions.
Based on the S, Bluemotion models get 15-inch alloy wheels, air-con, DAB radio, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.6TDI Bluemotion
P11d price: £21,750
CO2 emissions: 85g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £58
MPG: 88mpg
Power: 108bhp
Parkers star rating: 5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Volkswagen Golf
Skoda Fabia Estate
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New for 2015 the Skoda Fabia is packed full of practical features, packs some frugal engines beneath its funky looks and has a competitive price tag to boot. Choose between the hatch and the estate, the latter of which recieves a full five stars from Parkers, and combine it with the 1.4-litre TDI engine for 83mpg and 89g/km CO2.
We’d opt for the mid-range SE as it includes 15-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, black roof rails, Bluetooth, DAB Radio and air-con. Be aware, that while the Fabia has Mirrolink, there’s no on-board sat-nav – even in the options.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.4TDI SE
P11d price: £16,480
CO2 emissions: 89g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £43.95
MPG: 83mpg
Power: 88bhp
Parkers star rating: 5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Skoda Fabia Estate
Ford Fiesta
Combine both retail and fleet sales together, and the Fiesta takes top UK sales spot.
Although its award-winning 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine impresses, the diesel options are equally deserving of your attention – the 1.6-litre diesel offering 85g/km of CO2 emissions and 85mpg combined fuel economy.
Mid-range Zetec trim is best, offering air-con, heated windscreen,15-inch alloy wheels, interior ambient lighting and a leather steering wheel as standard.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.6TDCI Zetec ECOnetic
P11d price: £15,490
CO2 emissions: 85g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £41.31
MPG: 85mpg
Power: 93bhp
Parkers star rating: 5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Ford Fiesta
Mini One D
One of the most stylish superminis available, the MINI can make sense as a company car too. The addition of a five-door model last year, plus the new 1.5-litre diesel engine bolsters its appeal – and gives it 80mpg and 92g/km CO2 emissions.
It’s not easy to decide on your perfect trim – there’s so many options – but the sensible choice would be the entry-level One with the Pepper Pack, with 15-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio, daytime running lights, Bluetooth, climate control and automatic rain sensors and wipers as standard.
At a glance
Engine and trim: Mini One D Pepper Pack
P11d price: £16,970
CO2 emissions: 92g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £45.25
MPG: 80mpg
Power: 93bhp
Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Mini hatchback
Citroen C4 Cactus
One of the most eye-catching cars ever to be launched, the Citroen Cactus also offers low running costs, practical features and value for money.
A low p11d price means your budget may stretch to top-of-the-range Flair which bags you 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic climate control, automatic lights and wipers, sat-nav and reversing camera as standard. The 1.6-litre BlueHDI diesel emits just 92g/km and can return up to 80mpg too.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.6 BlueHDI Flair
P11d price: £18,035
CO2 emissions: 92g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £48.09
MPG: 80mpg
Power: 98bhp
Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Citroen C4 Cactus
BMW 1 Series
Following a facelift earlier this year, the revised 1 Series looks better than ever and comes with more kit – including sat-nav accross the range. Better quality materials inside, and more efficient engines complete the package.
The 116d offers a great blend of performance and economy with an official combined figure of 78mpg and 94g/km CO2 emissions, meaning a 16 percent BIK tax band for this year.
Entry-level SE trim comes with sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, DAB Radio and automatic lights and wipers as standard.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 116d SE
P11d price: £21,655
CO2 emissions: 94g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £57.75
MPG: 78mpg
Power: 114bhp
Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the BMW 1 Series
Seat Leon
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The Spanish firm’s mid-sized hatchback is often overlooked, but it’s arguably one of the best-looking in the segment. It’s clean and frugal too, ensuring low p11d prices – especially with the 1.6-litre TDI engine.
SE trim accompanied by the Technology pack which bags you Bluetooth, DAB Radio, sat-nav, full LED lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and air-con.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.6TDI SE Technology Pack
P11d price: £19,955
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £56.54
MPG: 74mpg
Power: 103bhp
Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the SEAT Leon
Peugeot 308 SW
Estates can achieve CO2 figures below 100g/km too, like the Peugeot 308 SW which benefits from a 660 litre boot space – more than it’s big brother the 508 SW estate.
Mid-range Active trim includes Bluetooth, DAB Radio, cruise control, LED Daytime running lights, sat-nav, rear parking sensors,16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-con and automatic headlights and wipers.
At a glance
Engine and trim: 1.6 BlueHDI Active
P11d price: £20,690
CO2 emissions: 85g/km
Monthly tax costs*: £55.17
MPG: 88mpg
Power: 118bhp
Parkers star rating: 4.5 stars
Click here to read our full review of the Peugeot 308 SW
*Monthly tax costs are based on a 20 percent tax payer