Top five petrol-powered hatchbacks

  • Your next company car doesn't have to be diesel
  • Our five favourite hatchbacks with petrol engines
  • All cost less than £55 per month* in company car tax

Contrary to popular belief, choosing a company car doesn’t have to involve going diesel. In fact, if you look closely you can find a range of cars that are petrol-powered and so aren’t privy to the 3% diesel levy applied to company car tax.

On top of that, petrol cars are generally nicer to drive than their diesel counterparts and can also prove more economical in terms of fuel if you’re not doing as many miles.

In this article we’ve laid out our five favourite petrol-powered hatchbacks and told you why we like them, how much they’ll cost you to tax and how fuel-efficient they are.

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Edge

Why buy?

Not only is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine the smallest in this feature, but it’s also one of the most efficient. Although you may think it’s a little small, thanks to clever turbocharging technology it’s more than capable of hauling around a car as big as a Focus. The Ford hatchback has won many fans for its comfortable, equipment-laden interior and decent driving dynamics.

Fuel economy: 58.9

P11d value: £16,390

CO2 emissions: 109g/km

BIK liability: 12%

Monthly tax*: £33

Volkswagen Golf S 1.2 TSI

Why buy?

The smooth and refined 1.2 TSI engine is a real corker. It’s lovely to drive and more than powerful enough yet doesn’t emit huge amounts of CO2. Fitted to the excellent Golf, it makes for a formidable proposition as a company car.

Fuel economy: 57.6mpg

P11d value: £16,995

CO2 emissions: 129g/km

BIK liability: 16%

Monthly tax*: £45

Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE

Why buy?

The Civic is a reliable workhorse with extremely distinctive styling. The unusual bar across the rear windscreen and aggressive lines really set it out against the competition. It’s nice to drive, too – the gear lever is placed in the perfect condition and the other driving controls are equally well laid-out.

Fuel economy: 52.3mpg

P11d value: £16,900

CO2 emissions: 129g/km

BIK liability: 16%

Monthly tax*: £45

Renault Megane 1.2 TCE Dynamique TomTom

Why buy?

Renault is famous for its smooth engines, and the 1.2 TCE is no different. The Megane is surprisingly nice to drive, too. The Dynamique TomTom trim includes some nice equipment features including sat nav, so you’re certainly getting decent value for money.

Fuel economy: 53.3mpg

P11d value: £18,270

CO2 emissions: 119g/km

BIK liability: 14%

Monthly tax*: £43

Volvo V40 T3 ES

Why buy?

Volvo’s newest model is a real step forwards for the Swedish manufacturer. Available only as a five-door, the V40 is as safe as you’d expect but also comfortable and very nice to drive. The firm has long been an advocate of efficient engines, and the T3 unit is no exception.

Fuel economy: 53.3mpg

P11d value: £20,575

CO2 emissions: 124g/km

BIK liability: 15%

Monthly tax*: £51


*Company car tax is worked out for 20% tax payers using 2012/13 rates and assuming no optional extras.