By John Simpson 07 February 2012
Nothing says ‘company car’ like the classic saloon. Companies are on a seemingly endless quest for the most tax-efficient, fuel thrifty yet practical models that still manage to serve up a healthy dash of class. Failing to strike that fine balance can result in more than just higher operating costs and underwhelmed drivers but higher CO2 and a burden on rainforests.
Eco derivatives crop up in every manufacturer’s range but actually comparing data like CO2 figures, VED bands, and OTR prices to determine the right model for your fleet can be a drawn-out and frankly dull task.
To save you the hassle, FleetDirectory.co.uk has compiled a list of some of the most cost effective fleet saloons out there.
Vauxhall Insignia
2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX Exclusiv (On the road from £22,860)
A firm favourite amongst fleets, Vauxhall’s Insignia filled the gap left by the not-hugely dissimilar Vectra in 2008. This year’s ecoFLEX models will still appeal to high mileage drivers with improved fuel economy (65.7mpg) and Start/Stop while CO2 dips below 120g/km across the board, thus slashing VED from £95 to £30 after 12 months of zilch road tax. These models also now sit in the lowest diesel BiK band of 13%. Even the sat-nav has been given a shake up to include energy optimised ‘green routes’ which consider specific vehicle parameters, road properties and driver behaviour.
The stats:
Engine – 1956cc
0-62mph – 9.5 seconds
Transmission – Manual
CO2 emissions - 115 g/km
Fuel type - Diesel
MPG - 65.7
Tax Band – C
Fuel cost of driving 12,000 miles - £1,113
Skoda Superb
1.6 TDI CR S GreenLine II (£18,905)
As Skoda’s flagship model, it’s best to let the Superb’s bigheadedness slide because as a fleet saloon, the name is pretty accurate. If it’s superb enough for the UK’s Czech ambassador then it’s gotta be worth czeching out. Economic benefits include a fuel economy of 64.2mpg, £30 road tax after a year of free VED. Chuck in executive levels of equipment, technology and build quality and you’ve got a saloon fit for a king. Or an ambassador at the very least.
The stats:
Engine – 1598cc
0-62mph - 12.5s
Transmission – Manual
CO2 emissions - 114 g/km
Fuel type - Diesel
MPG - 64.2
Tax Band – C
Fuel cost of driving 12,000 miles - £1,139
SEAT Exeo
2.0 TDI CR SE Tech (£19,285)
There is more to SEAT’s revised executive class Exeo saloon than just a fresh face. Yup, those pretty new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights sure are fancy, as is the upgraded upholstery and steering wheel leather but improvements under the hood are of equal importance. The sharper 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant returns better fuel economy (57.6 mpg) and while CO2 emissions have been pushed down to 129g/km, there are more attractive VED Bands with other saloons. A point which SEAT seems very aware of, redressing the balance by throwing in a Start/Stop option and bringing the Exeo into the C Band. That £65 a year is better off in your pocket...
The stats:
Engine – 1968cc
0-62mph – 9.3s
Transmission – Manual
CO2 emissions - 129 g/km
Fuel type - Diesel
MPG - 57.6
Tax Band – D
Fuel cost of driving 12,000 miles - £1,269
BMW 3 Series
320d BluePerformance EfficientDynamics (£27,900)
BMW’s greenest and most fuel efficient saloon is the first on our list to slip into the B Tax Band with less than 110g/km. It is the fastest too, taking a blink more than eight seconds to hit 62mpg, but somehow managing to achieve one of the better fuel economies. BMW say it is all down to an all-aluminium crankcase and third generation common-rail injection technology with piezo injectors along with a longer rear axle transmission ratio, lowered suspension and the use of specially designed aerodynamic alloy wheels with Michelin EnergySaver tyres. So now you know.
The stats:
Engine – 1995cc
0-62mph – 8.2s
Transmission - MANUAL
CO2 emissions - 109 g/km
Fuel type - Diesel
MPG - 68.9
Tax Band – B
Fuel cost of driving 12,000 miles - £1,061
Volvo S40
1.6 DRIVe [115] SE Edition (£17,495)
It may not be held in the same prestigious light as the 3 Series but the S40 trumps most of the competition in many ways. It’s the only saloon in this list to limbo the 100g/km bar and venture into the A Tax Band which means it is also the only saloon to dodge London’s C-Charge. It may be take a little longer to reach 62mph, but the frugal S40 can return up to 850 miles before topping up the tank, so say Volvo.
The stats:
Engine – 1560cc
0-62mph – 11.2s
Transmission - MANUAL
CO2 emissions - 99 g/km
Fuel type - Diesel
MPG - 74.3
Tax Band - A
Fuel cost of driving 12,000 miles - £984
All data correct at time of publication
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