The best small company cars for tiny BIK rates

Open gallery Close News 1 min read 26 July 2024 Follow @@JamesDisdale The best small company cars provide four-wheeled proof that very often less is more. These compact machines might lack the status symbol-enhancing swagger of bigger and more expensive models, but their combination of low running costs, handy dimensions and, more often than not, engaging driving dynamics make them a top choice for savvy user choosers. Of course, being ‘small’ doesn’t mean a car must be cramped and cheap-feeling, because as our list shows many offer plenty of family-friendly versatility and even a dash of upmarket appeal. What their more modest size and price does deliver is a useful saving in Benefit-in-Kind (BiK), the calculation that dictates the amount of salary you’ll have to sacrifice for the pleasure of running a company car. Related articles Better still, these models come in multiple different flavours, from electric cars and superminis through to hard-working hatchbacks and capable crossovers. So sit back and relax while we guide you through the list of the 10 best small company cars. The best small company cars 1. VW Golf9Pros Smooth, efficient and well-integrated hybrid powertrainDecent fun to drive and comfortable to bootClaimed EV range not to be sniffed at Cons Recent facelift is a little fussyInterior and boot trail the biggest for spaceWon't wow in the company car park Our choice: VW Golf 1.5 TSI eHybridFew compact cars offer such a compelling blend of talents as the evergreen VW Golf. Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, the German machine’s blend of understated style, upmarket feel and decent practicality makes it the perfect choice for drivers needing to mix a busy working week with a full-on family life.Recently updated, the Golf packs some minor visual changes on the outside and an interior that keeps the winning blend of space and premium appeal but with enhanced and easier-to-use infotainment. Factor in five-door flexibility and the VW has all the business and family bases covered.Under the skin the latest Golf retains the tried-and-tested MQB architecture, which means the old car’s accurate handling and controlled ride remain present and correct. There’s a choice of standard petrol and diesel, plus a mild hybrid, but it’s the plug-in hybrid that’s best for business users. Its 201bhp petrol electric drivetrain delivers punchy performance (although there’s also a hot 267bhp GTE) and now features a larger 25.7kWh battery, which means a remarkable WLTP EV range of 88 miles and a BiK rating of just 5%. Read our VW Golf reviewSave money on a new VW Golf with What Car? Latest Reviews Nissan Ariya 7 Nissan Ariya View all car reviews Read our review Car reviewVolkswagen GolfFacelifted Golf gains much needed interior upgrades and new base four-cylinder engine - is it better than ever?Read our review Back to top 2. Audi A39Pros Still cuts quite the dash in the company car parkInterior feels a cut above in terms of quality Poised and capable Cons There's not much in the way of driver connectionThe plug-in hybrid is still a little way offSport suspension a bit too harsh Our choice: Audi A3 35 TFSI It’s perhaps unkind to call the Audi A3 Sportback a VW Golf in a posh suit, but in many respects that’s exactly what it is. Underpinned by the same MQB platform and using largely the same range of engines, the Audi offers similar levels of space, poise and performance, but wraps it up in a more stylish package that benefits from the greater kudos that comes with the four-ringed badge on its front grille. Like the Golf, the A3 has been treated to a mid-life refresh that extends to sharper exterior design and an even more upmarket interior. As before, there’s also the option of a three-box saloon version for those wanting that traditional company car vibe. However, for now both miss out on the VW’s more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, so for most business users the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol in the 35TFSI remains the best bet even if its 31% BiK rating is on the high side. That said, it’s also available with a six-speed manual option, adding extra driver engagement to an otherwise capable but cold package.Read our Audi A3 reviewSave money on a new Audi A3 with What Car?3. Renault Clio8Pros Agile handling paired with cushioned rideSeamless hybrid melds decent urge with strong efficiencyInterior has pleasingly classy look and vibe Cons Back seats and boot crampedInfotainment a little datedHigher trim levels relatively expensive Our choice: Renault Clio E-Tech HybridOur reigning supermini champ makes plenty of sense for those looking to downsize their company car. Smart and stylish with surprisingly grown-up driving manners, the Renault Clio is a small car that doesn’t leave you feeling shortchanged. It’s interior serves-up just enoug