Picking the right company car requires a lot of thought. If you’re spending hours on end behind the wheel, it needs to be comfortable, refined and well-equipped.
Most importantly, though, it needs to be cost-effective to run – both in terms of BIK costs for company car tax, as well as fuel costs.
We’ve listed some of the best company cars below, click through the links to read more about the full range of models for each.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series – in particular the plug-in hybrid 330e – is the current Parkers Company Car of the Year, taking the crown among some stiff competition.
The 3 Series has always been popular with business users, and it’s easy to see why with a sharp drive, upmarket interior and an excellent choice of engines.
A BMW 330e M Sport would cost £56 per month for 20% taxpayers.
Read the full BMW 3 Series review to see what it’s all about
Volkswagen Golf
The VW Golf is one of the most popular cars on sale in the UK, and as such it’s a common choice among company car drivers.
Not only are there frugal turbocharged petrol and diesel models, there’s also a plug-in hybrid GTE with low BIK costs. In fact, it’s been so popular that, at the time of writing, orders have been put on hold due to the high demand for the car.
If you do get your hands on one, expect company car tax bills of £57 per month for a Golf 1.4 TSI GTE.
Alternatively, a Golf 1.0 TSI SE Navigation will cost £68 per month.
We’ve been running one for six months – see how we’ve been getting on with it.
Vauxhall Astra
Like the Golf, the Vauxhall Astra is popular with private and business customers. There’s even a business-focused Tech Line Nav model that’s been created just for company car drivers.
Paired with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine it’s a much-underrated family hatchback, and could be yours for £59 per month for 20% taxpayers.
Read the full Parkers Vauxhall Astra review to find out why.
Audi A4
Giving the BMW 3 Series a great run for its money, the Audi A4 has long fought the BMW for compact executive saloon supremacy.
In its latest form, it’s classy, good to drive and has one of the best interiors on the market. Its engine range isn’t quite as extensive as the 3 Series’, but it’s well worth a look.
Go for an A4 2.0 TDI Ultra Sport 150PS for the lowest BIK costs of £114 per month.
Read the Audi A4 full review here
Nissan Qashqai
Another top-10 seller in the UK, the Nissan Qashqai crossover is a hit with families, and works well as an all-rounder if you’re a company car driver making use of the car at the weekends.
With a selection of punchy petrol and diesel engines and a family-friendly interior, there’s good reason as to why it’s the most popular crossover on sale in the UK.
A well-specified Qashqai 1.5 dCi N-Connecta costs £89 per month.
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review to find out if it’s right for you
Check out company cars coming our way in 2018
