September 2, 2021
Abby Nuttall
Top Picks
A company car can be a great perk but choosing the right vehicle for your specific needs can be a challenge. Especially when you factor in benefit in kind (BIK) costs, fuel consumption, work requirements versus leisure needs, and a whole host of other factors.
We’ve put together our top 10 picks of what we believe to be the best company cars on the road.
BIK Rates
One thing to bear in mind when looking for your next company car is its emissions and how they play into the BIK calculations (company car tax is, in part, based on the CO2 levels of the car).
For a more detailed breakdown of BIK and how you can calculate this for the current tax year take a look at this article.
Electric Company Cars
Many companies are encouraging their employees to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) - a move that brings benefits for both the business and its driver, including lower BIK rates (EVs, and even hybrids, emit less CO2), reduced fuel bills, a lower carbon footprint, and much more.
If you’re not sure whether electric is the right choice for you, then we recommend reading this piece to help you make a decision.
Wessex Fleet’s Top 5 Company Cars
1. Tesla Model 3
In the top spot we’ve gone for the fully electric Tesla Model 3.
This EV is in the traditional saloon body, which we know is a favourite of corporate drivers. There’s plenty of space in the back (for colleagues, friends or family) but it still has a fairly compact exterior.
Being fully electric it benefits from the lowest BIK rate on the market at just 1 per cent for the 2021/22 tax year. There’s also the long-range version which offers a range of up to 360 miles between charges - more than enough mileage for most drivers’ daily needs.
As with all Teslas, the Model 3 also benefits from access to Tesla’s high speed supercharging networks.
This model rivals the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 (two of the most popular executive cars) but, in our opinion it’s even better because its both an EV and it comes complete with the luxury touch for which Tesla is known.
2. Kia e-Niro
The second pick for our electric top 10 is the crossover SUV, the Kia e-Niro. It’s a model which is becoming increasingly popular with company car drivers, thanks to its high driving position, spacious interior, high spec and low monthly costs.
As it’s fully electric it also comex with a BIK rate of just 1 per cent for the current tax year.
Opt for the larger battery and you can get an impressive range of up to 282 miles between charges, which is more than enough for most drivers’ daily needs.
If you like the look of the Kia e-Niro but aren’t ready to commit to a pure EV just yet, then you might want to check out the hybrid version of the Kia Niro. Though you should keep in mind that jumping from an EV to a hybrid will increase the company car tax you pay.
3. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has been a favourite of company drivers since it first hit UK roads. It’s an executive saloon that comes with the powerful driving experience you’d expect from a BMW, as well as a high-quality, high-tech finish, and a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.
It has rear-wheel drive as standard or the option of BMW’s four-wheel-drive xDrive system, which is more responsive and better balanced, plus (we think) great fun to drive.
There’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option in the 330e, which offers you a lower BIK rate and fewer CO2 emissions. It’s a great option for drivers not yet ready to make the jump to an EV but looking for a more environmentally friendly option. One thing to be aware of with the PHEV version though is that the boot space is smaller because the battery for the electric motor is beneath the boot floor.
4. Volkswagen ID.3
Volkswagen is a brand known for its reliable and well-made vehicles so it’s no wonder one has made it onto our top ten company cars.
The ID.3 is an electric hatchback with a compact exterior (ideal for tight parking spaces and narrow roads) - the perfect choice for city and country drivers alike. And despite its small size, it has a range of between 205 and 263 miles depending on the battery option you choose.
It was originally introduced to replace the e-Golf but it is actually a little roomier on the inside being 13 cm longer at the wheelbase, which gives more legroom for front and rear passengers.
It also offers drivers a comfortable interior with touch-sensitive buttons for the infotainment centre and vehicle controls on the centre console.
5. Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb is a great choice if your company car needs to double as the family run-around at the weekend. It’s got masses of cabin space and one of the largest boot capacities on the market for a vehicle of its size.
Drivers love the comfy ride, easy to use controls, and variety of engine options (including hybrid versions).
6. Volvo XC40 Recharge
The XC40 is a stylish SUV that’s perfect for drivers looking for a company car with a higher driver position, a comfortable interior for long drives, and (in the Recharge models) all the benefits of a PHEV.
Unlike some PHEVs, such as the 3 Series mentioned above, the XC40 Recharge doesn’t lose boot space to the hybrid components and so it still offers plenty of space for cargo.
There are two versions currently available: the T4 and T5.
7. Mercedes A250 e
The Mercedes A250 e is a PHEV version of the A Class and offers drivers a premium hatchback with cutting edge hybrid technology.
It’s available in top of the range AMG Line trims, so comes with premium comfort options like ambient lighting, traffic signal assist (to detect speed limit signs), and much more.
As it is a hybrid, the BIK rate of the A250 e is much lower (up to 20 per cent) than other A Class options, coming in at just seven per cent for the current tax year. It has a purely electric range of 44 miles and is charged in as little as two to three hours.
8. Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a full EV that offers up to 254 miles range depending on what battery option you choose. It can be fully charged overnight with a 7kW wall box.
It’s a compact hatchback that comes with an Eco-meter, which shows whether you are consuming or recovering energy and allows you to manage your usage in real-time. It also has an ECO mode so you can optimise energy consumption through ancillary systems like air conditioning (and therefore maximise your range).
Other high-tech options on the Zoe include Renault’s active emergency braking system, auto-dimming rearview mirror and smartphone integration.
9. Dacia Sandero
The Dacia Sandero has recently been redesigned to give it a stylish new look on the inside and out. There’s new LED Y shaped headlights and rear lights, fully integrated wheel arches, and redesigned mirrors, door handles and rear bumper for a sleeker exterior.
On the interior, you have plenty of room with restyled front seats, more shoulder and knee space for rear passengers and a roomy boot.
There are plenty of extra features that now come as standard, like hill start assist and emergency brake assist, and you’ll also have even more high-tech options on higher spec levels.
10. Audi A3
The Audi A3 Sportback is a compact and sporty saloon that offers drivers a unique experience thanks to its driver-orientated interior and driver assistance technology.
The A3 Sportback comes with progressive steering and Audi’s drive select system as standard, so you can expect a smooth, comfortable ride for you and your passengers.
A word of warning, this is only available as a petrol or diesel engine so will have one of the highest BIK rates in our top 10.
For more informative blogs on the best cars on the market, updates on driving rules that could impact you and much more besides, make sure you bookmark Wessex Fleet blog.