Small Company Car of the Year 2021: Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is the 2021 Auto Express Small Company Car of the Year, with the Mercedes A 250 e and Renault Captur PHEV commended
The company car class is changing fast, and no firm has reacted faster to the upheaval than VW. Not that long ago diesel dominated this sector, but with Benefit-in-Kind bills now favouring the lowest-emissions vehicles, in particular EVs, drivers and fleet managers have been clamouring to make the switch to electric power. And few cars make more sense in the corporate car park than the ID.3.
Of course, it makes sense when doing the sums, with lower-rate earners paying as little as £62 a year in tax, while its low-maintenance electric motor keeps servicing costs to a minimum. It also has all the kit you’ll need, including wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the inclusion of adaptive cruise control helps take the strain out of life on the road.
Yet there’s far more to the ID.3 than the finance figures and standard kit count. Pro S models with the 78kWh battery can travel in excess of 300 miles on a single charge, while rapid charging will see the lithium-ion cells replenished to 80 per cent in as little as half an hour.
You’ll enjoy every trip to a business meeting as well, because the rear-mounted electric motor serves up brisk performance even in entry-level 148bhp guise or swifter acceleration still in the 201bhp version, while the nimble handling and controlled ride allow you to tackle back roads as easily as motorways. And when you’re not on the nine-to-five, the stylish ID.3 slips effortlessly into family life with a bright and airy interior that’s as spacious and practical as it is good-looking.
Best deal
Volkswagen ID.3 Life 58kWh Pro (£28,420 incl. Govt. grant)
The appeal of the ID.3 goes well beyond just the company car driver. In addition to the Government’s £2,500 grant for EVs, VW offers a further £1,750 discount on a PCP agreement. We’d get the entry-level Life with the upgraded 58kWh battery; place a 10 per deposit and the total over three years will translate to £330 per month.
Commended
Mercedes A 250 e
Sleek looks and an interior that matches cars costing twice as much for upmarket appeal and cutting-edge tech help make the A-Class a very desirable compact hatch. Factor in a PHEV drivetrain and you get CO2 emissions of 26g/km, 256.8mpg and an electric range of more than 40 miles.
Renault Captur PHEV
The capable Captur’s transformation from also-ran to class contender has been remarkable. Renault’s clever E-Tech plug-in hybrid system delivers 30 miles of zero-emissions running and a Benefit-in-Kind rate of 11 per cent. Eye-catching looks, a versatile interior and unrivalled comfort add to the appeal.
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