See all Motoring AdviceThis is our countdown of the best vehicles for company-car buyers in 2021, a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). We’ve majored on plug-in hybrids, as company-car drivers tend to do higher mileages and so need more range than most EVs will offer, but we have thrown in a few pure EVs with the greatest single-charge cruising distance as alternatives, as they come with many financial benefits, depending on the circumstances. Here’s our rundown:
Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e
CO2 emissions: 30-34g/km. Fuel consumption: 1.4-1.5 litres/100km (201.8-188.2mpg). Starting price: €43,170.
You don’t need an A6 TFSI e when the A3 Sportback plug-in hybrid is so accomplished. Offers up to 65km of pure electric range on its battery reserves and also has 204hp, so it is a punchy performer with its petrol-electric drivetrain fully charged up. It’s also one of the cheaper cars on our list.
CO2 emissions: 30-32g/km. Fuel consumption: 1.3-1.4 litres/100km (217.3-201.8mpg). Starting price: €52,226.
All the appeal of the BMW 3 Series junior executive car, with the added attraction of super-low running costs and the ability to go between 58- and 60km on electric power alone. Base price here is for an SE, which doesn’t look all that enticing, but which remains a cracking car to drive with a 292hp system output.
Hyundai Kona Electric (EV, 0g/km CO2)
.jpg)
Electric range: 449km. Energy consumption: 15.4-20.4kWh/100km. Starting price: €38,301.
One of the best pure electric cars out there, as its 64kWh battery and low energy consumption gives it one of the greatest zero-emissions range figures going, certainly this side of an expensive Tesla. Hyundai has recently tidied up the looks of the Kona Electric and it’ll serve as a wonderful family car when it’s not being a business vehicle.
CO2 emissions: 31-36g/km. Fuel consumption: 1.2-1.4 litres/100km (235.4-201.8mpg). Starting price: €62,720.
Be a bit different and embrace diesel one last time – Mercedes offers a petrol-electric E-Class plug-in hybrid, but this diesel-electric (signified by the ‘de’ bit of its badge) offers even lower CO2 figures, more torque, 50km of EV range and increased fuel economy. It’s a compelling combination in such a luxurious big saloon car like this.
CO2 emissions: 29g/km. Fuel consumption: 1.3 litres/100km (217.3mpg). Starting price: €37,800.
Glorious, show-stopping looks, 225hp of performance, the Peugeot 508’s stunning interior finishing and ridiculously low running costs, courtesy of its easy-going petrol-electric drivetrain plus 54km of EV range – what’s not to like? The 508 Hybrid is only two-wheel drive and so isn’t as expensive as the 3008 Hybrid4, which means we think this is the plug-in Peugeot to go for at the moment.
CO2 emissions: 24-33g/km. Fuel consumption: 1.1-1.5 litres/100km (256.8-188.3mpg). Starting price: tbc.
New face on the scene in terms of plug-in power, but a familiar old name – the Skoda Octavia has always been one of Ireland’s favourite cars, so a new model with a 1.4-litre petrol engine and electric accompaniment cannot be a bad thing; it should give 60km of zero-emissions driving, too. Pricing is yet to confirmed, but expect it to be super-competitive once announced.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range (EV, 0g/km CO2)
Electric range: 580km. Energy consumption: 16-25.7kWh/100km. Starting price: €57,990.
Has to be included, because this is the EV with the promise of massive range – and the Model 3 Long Range even has pretty stunning performance to go with its zero-emissions capabilities. Tesla doesn’t even over-price its products, so the fully electric hatchback seems to be almost a no-brain choice if it's within budget.
CO2 emissions: 111g/km. Fuel consumption: 4.9 litres/100km (57.6mpg). Starting price: €29,930.
The only car on our list with no plug-in capabilities whatsoever, the fact the Corolla is here is testament to its popularity on our shores – it remains one of the best-selling vehicles of all in Ireland. Being a series hybrid means it’s easy to operate. Along with that, it’s not expensive and it looks smashing, too, so it’s a worthy inclusion on this list.
Volkswagen ID.3 (EV, 0g/km CO2)
Electric range: 424km. Energy consumption: 15.5kWh/100km. Starting price: €37,157.
The brave new world for Volkswagen is with electric vehicles and they don’t come much more desirable than the ID.3. A Golf-sized hatchback, with 204hp the ID.3 isn’t as ridiculously fast as the Tesla Model 3, but instead it offers civil manners and a high-quality cabin – all at a decent price.
Electric Range: 500Km. Energy consumption: 18.0kWh/100km. Starting Price: €46,248
The second all-electric vehicle from Volkswagen, the ID.4 SUV is a bigger, more practical version of the ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4 is about the same size as the Tiguan and competes with the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro.
CO2 emissions: 55g/km. Fuel consumption: 2.4 litres/100km (117.7mpg). Starting price: €71,028.
Volvo’s mid-sized SUV is beautiful to look at and magnificent to sit in, so the plug-in hybrid version is well worth checking out. A powerful T8 model with more than 400hp is available, but you’ll be more than happy in the 320hp T6, as it is more affordable to buy and then subsequently run. Also promises 52km of electric range.