Company cars aren’t used exclusively to eat up the miles on the motorway, a survey of company car drivers by Skoda has revealed.
As well as driving to and from work, company cars are used for non-work journeys for 55 minutes per day on average, including doing the school run and for social occasions.
They’re not solely used by one driver, then. Around a quarter of men seek opinions from their wives when choosing a new company car, while more than 50 percent of women discuss it with their husbands, showing that a company car needs to be right for all the family – in 15 percent of households even the kids get a say.
That’s no real surprise though, because the survey found that 47 percent of company car drivers use the car for the school run, while 73 percent use it for things like social occasions and after-school sports events.
What makes a good company car for the family?
A vehicle that’s well-suited to being used for family duties needs to be multi-talented. It should be practical, cheap to run and slot into family life with minimal fuss.
Here’s a quick round-up of what we think some of the best company cars for the family are in a range of body styles.
Best hatchback company car
The Skoda Superb makes a great company car thanks to a range of efficient diesel engines that minimise running costs; it’s also relaxed and comfortable on the motorway and fleet-friendly SE Business trim offers plenty of standard equipment.
It’s a great family car too, thanks to a huge cabin and 565-litre boot, so all the family and associated paraphernalia will fit with ease.
In 1.6 TDI SE Business GreenLine spec, monthly company car tax costs are between £70* and £141* for 20 and 40 percent tax rate payers, respectively.
Best estate company car
The Volkswagen Passat Estate boasts space, class and a top-notch interior. Company car drivers will like the 1.6 TDI BlueMotion’s 76mpg average fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 95g/km, while members of the family with an eye on practicality will like the 650-litre boot and generous interior space.
SE Business trim is better suited to company car drivers though, with extras like sat-nav, cruise control and parking sensors included, but it’s worth noting that CO2 emissions increase to 107g/km for this model.
For a Passat Estate 1.6 TDI SE Business, 20 percent tax payers will pay £89* a month, while it costs £178* a month for 40 percent tax rate payers.
Best saloon company car
The 3 Series is a regular sight on the motorway and in the company car park. The 320d offers a great blend of performance and economy, while the high-quality interior provides a decent amount of space for young families.
If your fleet manager can be convinced, the plug-in hybrid 330e boasts low monthly payments of less than £40 per month for 20 percent tax payers, too.
A 320d EfficientDynamics Plus model will cost £101* to £202* a month for 20 and 40 percent tax payers respectively, while the plug-in hybrid 330e falls to £40* and £79* respectively.
Best SUV company car
Capitalising on the success of the top-selling Nissan Qashqai, the Renault Kadjar shares the same platform and engines, but offers a bit more space thanks to a longer rear overhang.
That means families benefit from a 472-litre boot and plenty of passenger space, while company car drivers will like the 110hp 1.5-litre dCi diesel’s 74.3mpg claimed fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. Eye-catching looks will help you stand out on the school run, too.
The Kadjar 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique Nav will cost around £68* per month for 20 percent tax payers, while those paying 40 percent will be spending about £136* per month.
Best MPV company car
Company car drivers who have accepted they need a practical seven-seat MPV won’t feel short-changed by the Ford S-Max. It’s suitably stylish with an enjoyable driving experience, while the interior is spacious and well equipped.
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The 2.0 TDCi diesel engine – available in 120hp, 150hp and 180hp power outputs – emits 129g/km of CO2, while the S-Max is smooth and relaxed if you’re driving up and down the motorway every day.
We’d go for the higher-powered 150hp diesel, so an S-Max 2.0 TDCI Titanium will cost company car drivers between £115 and £230 per month at 20 and 40 percent rates respectively.
*Prices correct at the time of writing at 2016/17 tax rates and assume no optional extras
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