Ten great business car options from Lookers
What makes a good company car in 2017? That’s the big question on the lips of business people up and down the country. And for those managing fleets, securing the best deals while at the same time ensuring the right image is projected is a key goal – regardless of business size.
Of course there are as many variables in the decision making process as there are customers to please. Here we take a look at some of the most important criteria when choosing your next company car.
Company Car Tax
While company cars are a great perk, they also come with tax implications and the amount you will pay is broadly determined by:
The list price (referred to as P11D) of the car and any accessories fitted to it.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions levels of the car
The type of fuel the car uses (diesel cars are subject to a 3% levy until the end of the 2015/16 tax year).
The highest rate of income tax you pay (20% or 40%).
A general rule of thumb is the higher the CO2, or list price, or your income tax, the higher your company car tax bill will be.
So, taking the above into account, here are our top company car tips for 2016 and beyond. All guaranteed to keep businesses on the move.
Vauxhall Insignia
Nissan Qashqai
Audi A3
Volkswagen Golf
Ford Focus
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Citroen C4 Cactus
Range Rover Evoque
Mini
Jaguar XE
Vauxhall Insignia
The Vauxhall Insignia follows in the tyre tracks of its predecessors - the Cavalier and the Vectra. Both were well-regarded in the company car market and with the Insignia 2.0-litre CDTI 140 Vauxhall can secure its place in the company car hall of fame.
With enhanced specification including a quality interior and driving quality that wouldn’t be out of place in more prestigious brands, economy is as good as rivals, too, with the four-cylinder diesel returning up to 76.3mpg.
For those interested in tax payable - well that's a very reasonable £48 or £96 per month (depending on tax banding).
Nissan Qashqai
One of the UK's most popular cars - the Nissan Qashqai - gives that much sought-after SUV styling and practicality at an excellent price-point. Its road car underpinnings also mean, despite its size, it’s able to traverse tight city streets without problems.
The 1.5 dCi Acenta comes well inside the £25,000 limit so you could go for a higher spec if you don’t mind paying the extra tax. For this particular model, the taxman will demand either £54 or £108 per month for a car that gets up to 74.3mpg.
Nissan Qashqai
One of the UK's most popular cars - the Nissan Qashqai - gives that much sought-after SUV styling and practicality at an excellent price-point. Its road car underpinnings also mean, despite its size, it’s able to traverse tight city streets without problems.
The 1.5 dCi Acenta comes well inside the £25,000 limit so you could go for a higher spec if you don’t mind paying the extra tax. For this particular model, the taxman will demand either £54 or £108 per month for a car that gets up to 74.3mpg.
Audi A3
The Audi A3, is highly desirable and ideal for private and company car buyers alike. Diesel engines range from a substantial 1.6-litre to a powerful 2.0-litre variant. Company car buyers would gain best advantage from the 1.6 TDI 110 Ultra SE which emits just 89g/km of CO2. SE trim comes with a generous array of equipment and arguably the best suspension setting.
Volkswagen Golf
Everyone’s favourite car, the Golf offers some great choices to those in the market for a company car. Interestingly the most online searches are for the 2.0 TDI 184 GTD, no doubt due to its combination of practicality, performance and fuel economy. It emits 112g/km of CO2 and reaches 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. The second most popular option is the 1.6 TDI 110 Bluemotion which emits CO2 emissions with a rating of 89g/km.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus can often be overlooked as a company car; however it's great to drive, well equipped and pulls no punches on the roads. For those looking for a sensible option the 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec doesn’t disappoint. With alloy wheels, Bluetooth, DAB and a heated windscreen it emits 109g/km of CO2, placing it on an even footing with more prestigious brands.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Not only is the C-Class a real head turner, It's also well equipped, practical and benefits from a quality and upmarket interior. Boasting those all-important low CO2 emissions, the Bluetec is the most tax efficient option in the range.
Citroen C4 Cactus
If you are thinking of something just a little different, its worth considering the 1.2-litre PureTech 82.With a P11d value just under £15,000 – monthly company car tax should cost either £34 or £68 (depending on your tax band).
The C4 Cactus is the ultimate fun car which boldly wears its credentials on its side panels. With exuberant colours such as bright yellow or turquoise, making a (corporate) statement was never this easy.
Range Rover Evoque
Highly desirable and embodying the best of the Land Rover heritage, the Evoque epitomises style, character and prestige. The efficient 2.2 eD4 Pure Tech is a company car that will be the envy of work colleagues. Monthly company tax should cost around £114 or £228 (again depending on tax rates).
Mini
For fans of the mini, driving one is like experiencing a personal slice of British history. In tax terms one of the most efficient is the Mini Cooper three-door hatch which delivers 80.7mpg, 92g/km CO2 and 18% BIK (benefit in kind). With standard specification including DAB digital radio, heated mirrors and Keyless Go, the Cooper three-Door hatch is a premium experience for business drivers.
Jaguar XE
Voted as Business Car of the Year 2016, the XE offers the ultimate imposing drive. Stand out from other company drivers in this award-winning car which seamlessly combines driving dynamics and cost-efficiency. Make a statement on the road while at the same time benefiting from performance, efficiency and luxury. The 2.0 R-Sport Saloon delivers 99 g/km of Co2 and a 20% tax rate will cost £102 per month (40% will cost £204).
