Picking your next company car can be a difficult decision.
You’ll want to make sure it suits your needs when you’re travelling for business, but you also have to remember to check you’re getting the best Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) liability rates.
Of course, the best way to avoid a high BIK tax bill is to go for a car with a low CO2 figure.
It's also worth keeping in mind that the BIK rates for electric cars is 1% for 2021/2022 and 2% for 2022/2023.
But the good news is that there is a wide range of company cars available for you to choose from.
Here, we take a look at ten of the most popular company cars on the market in the UK right now.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has remained a hugely popular choice for Arnold Clark Vehicle Management’s fleet managers and drivers over the years.
The new Focus range includes the EcoBoost Hybrid for those looking for an economical family hatchback. Otherwise, if you’re not ready for the switch, the new Focus still features the EcoBlue petrol variant.
The new Ford Focus 5-door delivers precise handling and helps to reduce emissions; it’s the perfect practical family car. Ford has prioritised safety for this model by introducing new features such as Pre-Collision Assist and Pedestrian and Cycle Detection.
Despite being kept in the family car section, variants like the new Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost make sure that this also caters to those looking for a practical car for space and travelling purposes.
Kia Sportage
With Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty, and a reputation for reliability, the Sportage is a great choice for fleet managers who want to minimise driver downtime.
The entry-level model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and two 12v power sockets as standard, which is uncommon in the small SUV market.
Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available for the Kia Sportage, and it also comes as a four-wheel drive.
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta has always been known as a spacious small car, and the model has grown in size even more this year, making it the perfect five-door family car.
However, if you’re looking for a smaller version, it’s also available as a three-door car.
Renault Clio
As well as being great for city commuters, the Clio’s exterior design is one of the key factors of its success for so many years. Renault’s latest version of the Clio incorporates all-new technology which makes it the most efficient, spacious and attractive model to date.
And, with a five-star Euro-NCAP rating, its excellent safety features and low running costs mean it's a firm favourite in the family car market.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Comfortable both on-road and off-road, it’s the perfect family car. The suspension is flexible and smooth which means motorway driving is quiet and relaxed – ideal for those long business trips.
And, despite being a compact car, the A-Class boasts a 370-litre boot which adds a great deal of practicality to this luxurious car.
Vauxhall Astra
The new Vauxhall Astra boasts a sleeker, more streamlined body and a bold new design at the front, featuring an elegant 3D radiator grille.
When it comes to space, the Astra has plenty of room to sit five people comfortably, making it a great economical choice for families.
The Astra also comes with impressive safety features that are usually only found in more premium models, such as autonomous emergency braking. Plus, all Astra models include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
BMW 3 Series
The new BMW 3 Series launch has led to a surge in demand for the 3 Series Touring and Saloon across the UK.
Both brand-new BMW 3 Series models have stayed true to their roots with slick yet emotive design.
The new BMW 3 Series cockpit features your very own Intelligent Personal Assistant to remember your driving behaviour and bring every drive to life.
Nissan Qashqai
First launched in 2006, the Nissan Qashqai is a popular compact SUV that has either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Qashqai offers an SUV driving experience, but has similar running costs to a hatchback car, with moderate benefit-in-kind rates and great fuel economy.
With its sought-after angular exterior and spacious cabin, it also comes with impressive entry-level equipment, like electronic driver assistance and power-folding door mirrors.
Vauxhall Grandland X
The Grandland X is Vauxhall's largest SUV, offering good space and practicality. This mid-size family SUV has reasonable running costs and has the addition of a plug-in hybrid option.
The base model is the SE and it comes well-equipped with Bluetooth, DAB, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and parking sensors. The Elite Nav is at the other side of the scale and has leather, heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Ultimate Nav throws in plenty of additions - from a wireless phone charger and Denon sound system to high-tech LED lights and a panoramic camera.
Volkswagen Golf
No matter what you want, the new Golf GTI 8 has it – with enough horsepower to give you goosebumps. The new Golf GTI sports a 2.0 TSI engine, making it truly powerful. It’s been reviewed to be ‘everyday usable, but also terrifically entertaining on the right road’.
The new Golf Active and the new Golf Life are known as some of the best family hatchback cars available. The goal of the new Golf Active and new Golf Live is to work around life and accommodate our busy schedules and different activities.