As we approach the midway point of 2017, it’s time to reflect on the past six months. We’ve seen many changes already this year, from VED Road Tax, to revised laws for mobile phone usage and speeding offences.
But one thing that hasn’t changed, is the need for company vehicles. And that’s why business fleet sales continue to make up half of all new car sales, each year.
As a result, manufacturers are constantly developing new models with the company car user in mind.
We’ve looked back at the year so far in terms of what’s catching the fleet market eye and here’s our front runners for 2017…
1. Ford Mondeo
A popular choice for many of our customers, the latest Mondeo is more refined, upmarket, and high-tech than its predecessor.
Increasing in size, the latest Mondeo offers greater space and practicality. But this hasn’t compromised the driving performance, as the car’s aerodynamics have been significantly improved.
The Mondeo is available in turbo petrol, diesel, and petrol-electric hybrid drive-trains, most being four-cylinder. Additionally, there is a wide range of models available for you to choose from.
At the top of the range is the Vignale, which offers good value for money for premium features. With Ford strong on technology and innovation, the Mondeo also benefits from innovative features such as Active City Stop, Emergency Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Control. The most fuel-efficient model offers 99 gCO2/km, and boasts an impressive 67.3mpg combined.
With a sleek design, broad choice of engines, impressive handling ability, and low tax costs, the Mondeo, has, and continues to be a firm favourite for fleet.
2. Skoda Octavia
2. Skoda Octavia A practical and reliable all-rounder; the Octavia is hard to beat as a business car.
The present generation was released in 2013, but received a face-lift in 2017. The body is well defined with a clean and striking bonnet crease running up the front.
Skoda has a reputation for offering good value, and the Octavia demonstrates this with its impressive list of standard equipment. Additionally, the Octavia delivers competitive fuel economy across the model range too, with the most efficient model offering 103 gCO2/km and 72.4mpg.
In addition to its impressive fuel economy, it also ranks well for safety. Features such as Hill-Hold Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Assist have helped the Octavia to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
When it comes to the staple company car, you can’t go wrong with the Octavia.
3. BMW 3 Series Saloon
3. BMW 3 Series SaloonNext up is the BMW 3 Series saloon. The 3 Series has been a class leader for more than 40 years, and it’s no surprise to see it feature on our list.
Throughout its lifetime, the 3 Series has been through an evolutionary process, but remains as iconic and recognisable as ever. The kidney grille and aggressive headlamp design make it unmistakable on the road.
Inside, you gain a real feel of luxury with the use of stylish materials and excellent build quality gives it a solid finish. The wide central screen at the centre of the dashboard includes sat-nav, which is standard across the range.
The 3 Series delivers class leading efficiency too, with fuel emissions as low as 99 gCO2/km and average fuel consumption of 74.3mpg on the ED Plus. It is also equipped for business needs with advanced technology such as Head-Up Display, Park Assist, and real-time traffic information.
Therefore, it’s not hard to see why the 3 Series is a firm favourite amongst our customers. With class leading efficiency, an array of technology, and a strong history, the 3 Series has what you need from a company car.
4. Volvo V60
4. Volvo V60Sleek styling, an upmarket cabin, and efficient engines that deliver strong performance has undoubtedly helped the V60 rank high on our list.
Introduced in 2011, the V60 rivals the C-Class Estate and A4 Avant, and is refreshingly different. The design takes influence from its Scandinavian roots, and features a tapered roof-line, giving the V60 a coupe-like look.
Trademark Volvo features continue inside with their signature, floating centre console. Moreover, there is a feel of luxury in the cabin too with high-grade materials and solid craftsmanship.
The V60 delivers excellent economy and running costs, particularly the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid. The hybrid achieves an average fuel consumption of 155.2mpg, whilst fuel emissions are 48 gCO2/km, which help to minimise the impact of VED.
Moreover, Volvo has built a strong reputation for developing cars that are safe and reliable. Loaded with safety systems such as Side Impact Protection and Low-Speed Collision Prevention, you can relax knowing that your safety is priority.
Due to its competitive fuel economy and C02 emissions, as well as its 5-star Euro NCAP rating, you can see why the V60 is an ideal car to have in your fleet.
5. Ford Transit Connect
5. Ford Transit ConnectLight commercial vehicles (LCVs) account for many business miles driven on UK roads. And when it comes to a hardworking, compact van, it’s hard to see past the Connect.
The Connect sits in a highly competitive marketplace competing with the Doblo, Caddy, Berlingo, and others.
Its practicality as a company van is strong, with an impressive payload of around 630kg for the entry-level L1 van. Larger models are available that offer greater loading capacity, and load access is good across the range.
Performance isn’t compromised for practicality either, with the Transit offering a car-like feel. It benefits from advanced technological features such as Rear-View Camera, Parking Distance Sensors, and Blind Spot Detection.
Not only do they drive well, but they are highly efficient. The lowest fuel consumption across the range still achieves an impressive 50.4mpg combined and fuel emissions range from 111-133 gCO2/km.
With performance and practicality top of the list, the Ford Transit tops the list as our most popular LCV for 2017 so far.
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