Purchasing the right vehicles for your fleet is essential in making your service more reliable and efficient, whilst also keeping costs down. The ideal vehicle for your fleet will be one that accommodates the size and quantity of items that your business delivers. For example, it would be unwise to purchase a small van for transporting large and heavy machinery in high quantities, just as it would to purchase a lorry for takeaway delivery! In addition, the vehicle should be as fuel efficient as possible to ensure fuel costs are kept as low as possible, as well as reducing your businesses impact on the environment through the emissions omitted from the vehicles being used. Another way to keep down costs is to find affordable vehicles, as tempting as it may be to splash out on the fanciest interiors and extra features, it makes no sense to do so if it means your company may struggle financially and these extra features don’t improve productivity/efficiency. Most importantly, your vehicles must be reliable. Just as it is unwise to purchase the most expensive vehicle, buying the cheapest vehicle on the market could also be a problem if it is unreliable and likely to break down. Whilst you may have spent little to begin with, the cost of repairs and refunds for late deliveries or other issues which may arise could cost you far more in the long run. Purchasing reliable and efficient fleet vehicles at a fair price doesn’t have to be stressful and time-consuming, our experts have done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of our top choices based on size, cost, features and efficiency.

Lorries/HGV’s

Mercedes-Benz Actros

Crowned the ‘International Truck of the Year 2020’ for the fifth time since 1997, the Mercedes-Benz Actros sits at the top of our list of Best Fleet Trucks on the market. Whilst it’s not the cheapest upfront, the Actros is known for its reliability, fuel saving technology, and expert handling.

Engines

There are four engine options 7.7, 10.7, 12.8 and 15.6-litre, delivering 18 impressive power ratings from 240hp to 630hp. The 10.7 and 12.8-litres are the most popular of the range with their double overhead camshafts, common-rail injection and single-stage waste-gated turbochargers.

Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz PowerShift automatic transmission comes with three software packages: economy, fleet and power. The economy mode has no kickdown option and allows the driver to come in and out of EcoRoll (a feature that drops out of gear when momentum can carry the truck). This setting improves fuel economy by keeping the vehicle moving without unnecessary acceleration, gear changing or braking. The fleet mode also has no kickdown option and is restricted to 53mph, with EcoRoll permanently on. Power mode gives drivers more control over the vehicle, allowing kickdown and optional EcoRoll.

Comfort and Storage

Whilst all of the Actros models are comfortable to drive and park up in, the larger cabs have more comfort and storage features, including lockers above the windscreen, air-suspended seats and fridges below the bottom bunk. Whilst some of these features cost a little extra, it is worth considering these options to provide your drivers with higher levels of comfort.

Handling

The handling of the Actros is incredibly precise thanks to the stiffer chassis and manages to hold top gear on most draw out climbs. The stop-start option also stops idling during traffic jams, reducing the waste of fuel.

Fuel Efficiency

The Actros is built with fuel efficiency in mind. Features such as fuel-saving drive programs and fuel-efficient auxiliary consumers could save your business thousands of pounds in fuel each year with an impressive 11-17mpg.

Other Features:

- Multi-media Cockpit - MirrorCam - Active Drive Assist - Economical Engines in Four Displacement Classes - Fuel-Saving Drive Programs - Optimised and Sophisticated Aerodynamics - Fuel-Efficient Auxiliary Consumers

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of an Actros cab can range anywhere between £13,950 to £90,000 (excluding trailer price) depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. Thanks to the advanced fuel efficiency, the running costs are relatively low.

DAF XF

The benchmark for long-distance transport, the DAF XF has been developed for maximum transport efficiency as well as having an ultra-modern exterior design that makes it one of the most attractive fleet vehicles on the road.

Engine

There are two engine options: 10.8,11.6 and 12.6-litre, delivering impressive power ratings from 440hp to 530hp. In 2017, extra power and torque were added along with a multi-torque concept that delivers an extra 100-150Nm in top gear.

Transmission

DAF’s latest gearbox, TraXon, offers a choice of 12 and 16 speed automated boxes with an array of fuel saving features including EcoRoll, EcoCombi and other settings for long-haul driving.

Comfort and Storage

The interior of the DAF XF was updated in 2017, with an all new dashboard and leather seats and steering wheel. The storage is one of the XF’s strongpoints, with lots of space beneath the bunk and lockers above the windscreen.

Handling

The handling across the entire XF range is incredibly smooth due to its mid-steer axle that helps them navigate around bendy roads. Recent upgrades to the software has made them far more responsive to the drivers.

Fuel Efficiency

The DAF XF delivers industry-leading fuel economy with implemented fuel saving features such as higher torque at lower revs, optimised drivelines, high efficiency rear axles and enhanced electronics performance. All of these features could save you up to 7% in fuel for long-haul journeys, saving your business thousands of pounds every year.

Other Features:

- Industry leading fuel economy - High payloads - Service-intervals up to 200,000km - First class body builder-friendliness

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a DAF XF cab can range anywhere between £16,995 to £80,000 (excluding trailer price) depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. Thanks to the industry-leading fuel economy, the running costs are low.

Volvo FH

The Volvo FH is a fleet icon. It’s incredibly reliable and efficient, optimising uptime and fuel efficiency whilst still providing a comfortable experience for every driver.

Engines

There are two engine options 12.8 and 16.1-litre, delivering 7 impressive power ratings from 420hp to 750hp with selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas recirculation.

Transmission

I-Shift was a huge advancement in technology that allowed drivers to use neutral when rolling to save fuel, modify engine performance to suit the driver’s neads, economy mode, power mode, off road and emergency services.

Comfort and Storage

In 2008, the FH received an upgrade that offered more storage space around the cab, USB ports, Bluetooth, greater headspace and under-bunk lockers. For a better night’s sleep, the cab is insulated and has blackout curtains to reduce disturbances.

Handling

The Volvo FH has the best and most advanced handling of the lot with pinpoint accurate steering,VDS and 2,600Nm peak torque. I-Shift Dual clutch allows for quick changes under pressure which is ideal for difficult terrains.

Fuel Efficiency

Unfortunately, the consistent uphill speed performance irrespective of weight means the FH is less efficient in some departments, though with fuel saving features implemented into the vehicle such as I-Shift and I-See, you can be sure to save on every journey. “Fuel is everything. To help you get the most out of every drop, we’ve pioneered world-leading technologies, developed innovative services and devised fuel saving strategies that make a big difference to your bottom line.”

Other Features:

- Precise dynamic steering - Cruise control that could save you 5% in fuel - Heavy duty bumper - Fuel saving gearbox - Dual battery system

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a Volvo FH cab can range anywhere between £24,500 to £120,000 (excluding trailer price) depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. With the advantage of I-Shift, the FH manages to make up for the poor fuel efficiency in other areas, costing a similar amount to run as other models.

Scania R Series

The Scania R Series is one of the sturdiest and most reliable trucks out there. Drivers are at the core of everything Scania designs, so your drivers can expect high levels of comfort, visibility and control throughout the entire journey.

Engines

There are four engine options available: 11.7, 12.7, 15.6 and 16.4-litre, delivering 7 impressive power ratings from 360hp to 730hp with selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas recirculation.

Transmission

Scania was one of the first HGVs to integrate Opticruise software with an economy mode that would soften engine response and disable kickdown.

Comfort and Storage

The Scania R series offers incredible comfort to the drivers, with a spacious working and sleeping section for the driver. The additional storage beneath the bottom bunk allows more room for walking and following a number of bad reviews, they upgraded their interior to higher quality scratch-proof materials.

Handling

Scania are constantly looking for new ways to improve their trucks and the R Series is no exception. With increases in horsepower, torque and the ever evolving Opticruise gearbox, the driveline is becoming more advanced over time.

Fuel Efficiency:

Scania are known for their fuel efficiency. Their improved injectors and combustion changers combined with the new rear axle ratio contribute to cutting fuel consumption by 3% as well as reducing engine speed. Other Features: - Rear axle - Euro 6 engine - Luxury design - Streamlined

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a Scania R Series cab can range anywhere between £13,500 to £85,000 (excluding trailer price) depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. This is a more affordable option of the lot, though it is not to be underestimated.Since the introduction of EcoRoll, the R Series is far more fuel efficient and lowering the running costs significantly.

Renault Trucks T

The Renault Trucks T are built around fuel efficiency, whilst still retaining a high level of comfort and safety for the driver. They are part of the Premium range and it is evident from their high quality technology and advanced fuel efficiency.

Engines

There are two engine options available: 9 and 10.8-litre, delivering 3 impressive power ratings from 38hp to 460hp with selective catalytic reduction. With the DTI 13 engine, you will be able to reach high commercial speeds whilst reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs to ensure you're working efficiently.

Transmission

Renault kept its B18 synchromesh 18-speed gearbox as well as the B9 nine-speed manual that was available to those who required less advanced technology. In 2005, they started to offer the AS-Tronic as an option, which is the manual alternative to Optidriver. More recently, this developed into Optidriver+, however the software is far less sophisticated than its competitors.

Comfort and Storage

With an increased cab volume, multiple storage spaces and automatic equipment, your driver can remain concentrated whilst they’re driving and relax comfortably during stops and overnight stays in the truck.

Handling

The Renault Trucks T are some of the most reliable on the market thanks to their well-balanced steering and mid-lift axle. The 420hp engine is very responsive and copes well with hills.

Fuel Efficiency

Low friction pistons, lightweight components, and a finer particulate filter are just some of the features that contribute to the high fuel efficiency of the Renault Trucks T, saving you thousands of pounds every year. With a trapezoid-shaped 120º inclined windscreen, the Trucks T is designed to reduce your fuel consumption.

Other Features:

- Low friction pistons - Lightweight components - Maximum de-pollution with a finer particulate filter - Anti-corrosion cobalt-based valve seat - Vanadium SCR catalyst coating - Euro 6 engine - Aerodynamic design - Economic speed regulator

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a Renault Trucks T cab can range anywhere between £15,750 to £53,000 (excluding trailer price) depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. With advanced fuel-saving tools, the running costs of the Renault Trucks T remains low.

Best Vans

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit Van is incredibly popular due to it’s powerful yet efficient engines and its ability to do its job well. With advanced technology that ensures your fleets will be travelling safely and efficiently, you can rely on the Ford Transit van to save your business time and money.

Engines

There are three engine options available with the Transit: 3.2, 3.5 and 3.7-litre. The 3.7-litre is standard and gas advances twin independent variable cam timing. The 3.5-litre EcoBoost delivers the best maximum gas torque and the 3.2-litre combines power, durability and dependability.

Transmission

The Ford Transit gets a six-speed SelectShift transmission that is designed for low-end acceleration and high-end productivity. Progressive Range allows the driver to toggle the shift lever to reduce the range of available gears whilst in drive. Full Manual allows you to pull the shift lever into M and use the same toggle switch to select your desired gear.

Comfort and Storage

The Transit has a modern interior with plenty of space and features to allow the driver to maximise comfort levels with an adjustable seat, steering wheel and plenty of storage room. There are also additional features such as heated seats and SYNC 3, an advanced touchscreen system that provides navigation, music, live traffic updates and responds to voice commands.

Handling

Despite its large size, the Ford Transit has responsive steering and sturdier underpinning that helps to limit body lean when going quickly around bends. The suspension expertly cushions hard bumps and big jolts, making the drive far smoother and more comfortable.

Fuel Efficiency

With fantastic features such as the EcoBlue engine, the Transit is more efficient than ever before and is available as a mildHybrid Electric Vehicle for even greater fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Other Features:

- Blind Spot Information System - Cross Traffic Alert - Active Park Assist - Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control - Rear-view camera with Downlighter - Front wide-view camera - 2.0 litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine - Pre-Collision Assist

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a Ford Transit can range anywhere between £14,500 to £41,000 depending on the size, whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. The cost of running the Transit remains relatively low due to the impressive 50.4mpg fuel economy, saving your business thousands of pounds every year.

Volkswagen Transporter

Winner of the Best Medium Van Awards 2020, the Volkswagen Transporter is durable, versatile and built to last, maximising reliability and efficiency with your business needs built in-mind.

Engine

The Transporter has just one engine option: the 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engine that delivers power outputs between 84hp to 204hp. The 90hp feels powerful when city driving but becomes strained when going over hills and on faster roads compared to the higher powered models. The 199hp, on the other hand, is incredibly fast and can handle high speed and hills more easily.

Transmission

The manual gearbox makes for smooth gear changes, yet even smoother is the automatic version’s double-clutch that offers greater fuel economy and efficiency.

Comfort and Storage

Following an upgrade to the interior, the cab is clean, fresh and functionally designed compared to the previous style. The Discover Media system comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, with this redesign, there are also some downfalls such as the reduced amount of store space and a lack of covered storage. Whilst there are dash-top bins, without any covers, whatever is put in them will reflect on the windscreen whilst driving.

Handling

Volkswagen revised the Transporter steering system, upgrading it to the new electromechanical assistance from the traditional hydraulic power assistance, making it feel effortless and far more accurate. The van feels lightweight at low speeds but retains stability at high speeds and the suspension absorbs plenty of bumps and jolts, making the drive feel even smoother.

Fuel Efficiency

The VW Transporter is incredibly efficient with 47mpg. Volkswagen has taken measures to reduce running costs by offering interest-free finance on serving and repairs to keep the van running smoothly and more efficiently and more affordable.

Other Features:

- Cruise control including speed limiter - Forward collision warning - Autonomous emergency braking

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a VW Transporter can range anywhere between £14,500 to £49,000 depending on the size, whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. This certainly isn’t the cheapest of the lot but the expert handling and low fuel economy perhaps makes up for the high purchase price. If low fuel economy is your main priority, you should opt for a lower powered model that will offer you around 47mpg.

Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vauxhall Vivaro is incredibly practical and packed full of features to make your driving experience safer, more comfortable and fuel efficient, keeping your drivers happy and saving money for your company.

Engines

The Vivaro has two turbocharged engine options: 1.5 and 2.0-litre. The 1.5-litre offers powers from 99hp or 118hp, whereas the 2.0-litre offers 118hp, 148hp or 178hp, which will prove far more useful if you’re planning on towing. Whilst the 2,0-litre has better handling and is more refined, the 1.5-litre is still capable of performing well with a moderate load.

Transmission

The 118hp automatic gearbox isn’t superior in quality, but it still shifts smoothly without any trouble. Similarly, the six-speed manual gearbox falls behind other models due to it feeling slack and loose when changing gear.

Comfort and Storage

Since the update, the Vivaro is far more sleek and modern looking, with a more intuitive layout and greater storage space. Unfortunately, with the added storage space comes less room for the driver, making it feel slightly claustrophobic as the driver’s seat is now shorter and the gearstick is much closer to the driver’s knee.

Handling

The turbo engines mean hauling heavy loads is easy and the Vivaro has strong pulling power, with even the least powerful model offering 260Nm of torque, though if large and heavy loads are frequent, it’s worth opting for the higher powers.

Fuel Efficiency

The new Vivaro offers class-leading CO2 emissions and fuel consumption due to the ecoFLEX, stop-start system and aerodynamic improvements. The 1.5-litre offers greater fuel efficiency and has an economy of 56.5mpg.

Other Features:

- Cruise Control with Speed Limiter - Electronic Stability and Traction Control - IntelliGrip Tyres - 180º Rear View Camera

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a Vauxhall Vivaro is more affordable than those high in the list, ranging anywhere between £10,000 to £36,000 depending on the size, whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. Due to the low fuel consumption, the Vivaro has low running costs, though it is worth noting that the 1.5-litre requires a service every 25,000 miles whilst the 2.0-litre requires a service every 30,000 miles.

Fiat Doblò Cargo

Two time winner of the International Van of the Year, the Fiat Doblò Cargo is a smaller van that is ideal for fleets delivering smaller goods such as clothing. The Doblò Cargo recently had a redesign, making it look smarter, improving its handling and fuel economy.

Engines

The Fiat Doblò Cargo has three engine options: 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6-litre. The 1.4-litre is a petrol engine producing 95hp and the 1.3 and 1.6-litres are turbocharged diesel engines producing 95hp, 103hp and 118hp. Of the three options, the 1.3-litre is the one we would recommend due to its combination of high power and performance with better fuel economy.

Transmission

The Doblò Cargo has only manual gearboxes, with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard in the 1.3 and 1.4-litres and a six-speed manual gearbox in the 1.6-litre.

Comfort and Storage

Unfortunately, when Fiat redesigned the van’s interior in 2015, the UK models didn’t receive the same treatment and the old interior remained, leaving it feeling dated and drab. Storage space within the cab is limited within the basic models, however, the SX model has an underfloor storage tray, a driver’s armrest and overhead storage.

Handling

The Doblò Cargo uses Traction+ to improve handling on uneven grind and transfers power from a wheel that is spinning to the one with the best grip in an attempt to prevent or reduce the risk of an accident. The low noise levels and rear suspension also make for a much smoother and more comfortable drive.

Fuel Efficiency

The Doblò Cargo is incredibly efficient, with a fuel economy of 56.5mpg in the 1.3-litre but can get a fuel economy of 61.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 120g/km with the EcoJet pack that has Start & Stop, low-rolling resistance tyres, low viscosity oil, an intelligent alternator and a variable displacement oil pump.

Other Features:

- Stop-Start Technology - 1.6 Litre Multijet II Engine - Automatic Braking System

Purchase Price and Running Costs

The initial purchase price of a Fiat Doblò Cargo is one of the cheapest by far, ranging anywhere between £5,000 to £21,000 depending on the size, whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. Due to its lightweight build and efficient features, especially with the EcoJet pack, the running costs are incredibly low.

Renault Trafic

The Renault Trafic is a medium-sized van that received a redesign in 2019, giving it a new engine, gearbox option and improving its overall appearance. They also added new features such as the R-Link and Media Nav systems, enabling Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engines

The Renault Trafic has two engine options: 1.6 and a new 2.0-litre, producing power outputs of 120hp to 170hp and a maximum torque of 380Nm. The more powerful versions use twin turbochargers. Since July 2019, buyers have only been able to purchase new 2.0-litres, though it is still possible to buy used 1.6-litre 2019 Renault Trafics.

Transmission

The six-speed manual gearbox is standard, however, there is the new option of six-speed dual-clutch automatic on the 2.0-litre 145hp and 170hp engines.

Comfort and Storage

The interior of the Renault Trafic is very comfortable and allows lots of adjustments in the seat and wheel. The cab is far more spacious than its competitors with more room around the knees and for the legs. The Trafic’s strongpoint is its storage, especially in its Business+ models that have ‘load through bulkhead’, meaning two flaps behind and under the passenger seat that offer 2.94m and 3.75m of storage space.

Handling

Since the update, the Trafic’s steering is more accurate and effortless and the van feels much more stable now. Whilst the noise levels are usually low, the wind noise is more noticeable on high speed roads when compared to other vans.

Fuel Efficiency

The Renault Trafic has impressive fuel economy figures of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 178g/km due to its stop-start technology and Eco mode that limits power and cushions the accelerator to help your drivers save on fuel.

Other Features:

- Responsive automatic gearbox - Smart wide-angled mirror - Heated electric door mirrors

Purchase Price and Running Costs

A Renault Trafic is more expensive than other medium-sized vans, ranging anywhere between £13,000 to £27,000 depending on the size, whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. The running costs are more affordable than the initial costs, and the 3 year/100,000-mile warranty may make up for it. With efficient tools such as eco-mode and accelerator softening, the fuel costs should be low.

Best Cars

BMW 3 Series 330e PHEV

The BMW 3 Series 330e PHEV is a popular fleet/company car thanks to the high fuel efficiency and 16% BiK rate, an appealing figure for employers looking to save money on taxes.

Engine and Transmission

The 3 Series 330e uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a power output of 181hp in combination with a 12kWh lithium ion battery and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The battery pack holds enough energy for up to 37 miles of 0 emissions driving range and its 200kg weight is hardly noticeable when driving.

Comfort and Storage

The 330e has a number of features that make the overall experience of driving it far more comfortable, including the extra legroom and a 10.3-inch touchscreen that offers navigation, Apple CarPlay and a year of online music streaming for free. If you rather be completely hands free whilst driving, the 330e’s voice control feature may be for you. Unfortunately, there is less storage space in the boot of the car due to the size of the battery pack.

Handling

The 330e has accurate steering and great balance, even when moving quickly. The transition from electric to petrol is seamless and as mentioned previously, the weight of the battery pack can hardly be felt when driving.

Fuel Efficiency:

Thanks to the electric motor, you could potentially enjoy 300 miles a week by plugging it in whilst you sleep and again whilst you’re at work without using any petrol. Combining both electric and fuel powered driving, the fuel economy is 138mpg.

Other Features:

- Four-Cylinder Petrol Engine and Electric Motor - Power Steering - 76mpg When the Charge Runs Out - 38g/km CO2 Figure - Charger Navigation

Purchase Price and Running Costs

A BMW 3 Series 330e is certainly on the more expensive end, ranging between £16,000 and £32,033 depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. However, despite the high purchase price, the low fuel costs may make up for this. On average, a full charge costs £1.30 and with an average of 30miles per charge, it would cost you £108.33 to travel 2,500 electric miles. In just petrol alone, this would cost £297.16, more than double the cost of electric. Not only are you saving on fuel costs, but you’re also saving on tax too with a 16% BiK rate.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

This is a great second choice of fleet car if you’re looking for a hybrid that is more affordable and has more space in the boot than the BMW 3 Series 330e.

Engines and Transmission

The Corolla Hybrid has a six-speed automatic gearbox and 2 engine options: 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol hybrids. The 1.8-litre offers a power of 120hp, getting from 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds. The 2.0-litre offers a power of 177hp and reaches 60mph in a much shorter 7.8 seconds and is much more rapid than the 1.0-litre.

Comfort and Storage

This is definitely one of the most comfortable fleet cars on the list with incredibly soft suspension that absorbs a lot of bumps and jolts whilst driving. The driver’s seat has plenty of support and there are a number of ways to adjust the seat and steering wheel to ensure your drivers are comfortable whilst driving. There is also a 7.0-inch screen with large buttons that make using the system much simpler whilst driving. There is also a lot more storage space available in the Corolla than other models, particularly in the boot, a space which typically lets other models down.

Handling

The handling of the Corolla hybrid is less accurate than others but can handle most roads just as smoothly as others, providing there are no sudden sharp turns, where it struggles slightly. One other small negative of the Corolla is the noise of the engine on fast roads when the electric has run out as it can sometimes begin to whine.

Fuel Efficiency

The Corolla Hybrid can reach up to 120mpg with combined electric and petrol use and 63mpg on just petrol, with CO2 emissions of 76-89g/km, putting it in one of the lowest BiK tax groups, saving your business on both fuel costs and tax. Other Features: - 63mpg When Charge Runs Out - Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control - Intelligent Parking Assist - 22% BiK

Purchase Price and Running Costs

A Toyota Corolla Hybrid costs anywhere between £8,000 and £29,500 depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model and if there are any additional features added on. Toyota promises low fuel and tax bills against rivals, and whilst it doesn’t beat the BMW, it certainly holds up well with 63mpg on petrol and 120mpg when electric and petrol combined.

Peugeot 3008

Winner of the Carbuyer’s Best Medium SUV 2019 and Autotrader’s 2019 New Car of The Year, the Peugeot 3008 combines technology with a sleek and elegant design that will keep your fleet efficient whilst looking good too.

Engines and Transmission

The 3008 offers five engine options: 1.2, 1.5 ,1.6, 2.0-litre and a hybrid. The 1.2 and 1.6-litres are turbocharged petrol engines, offering power outputs of 129hp to 179hp, whilst the 1.5 and 2.0-litres are diesel, offering power outputs of 129hp and 175hp. The hybrids use a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 13.2kWh battery. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard across all engines.

Comfort and Storage

The 3008 is highly praised by many for its spacious i-Cockpit interior that offers high levels of comfort and plenty of space for your drivers. The 12.3-inch digital display offers a range of options such as speed, navigation, media, and journey times and works in conjunction with voice control to reduce the need to fiddle about with buttons whilst driving. There is plenty of space (520 litres) for goods in the boot of the car and the back seats even fold down to make even more room if necessary, though it is important to note that there are only 395 litres of boot space in the hybrid due to the space the battery takes up.

Handling

The Peugeot 3008 handles the roads very well, especially around sharp corners, though very little of this is felt by the driver thanks to the good quality suspension. Whilst there is no four-wheel drive option, the 3008 does offer Grip Control, which is a very sophisticated traction control system and makes the car much more effortless in winter conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

The 3008 is highly efficient with 53-64mpg for city driving and 63-76 motorway driving. If you opt for the hybrid, you could get a huge 220mpg, however, the CO2 emissions are a fair bit higher than the previous cars, at 111g/km, putting it in the 33% BiK tax rate. If fuel efficiency is a high priority for your business, the fuel economy information from the digital display will prove useful and unlike many other cars, this comes as standard across the entire range.

Other Features:

- Lane Departure Warning System - Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function - Smartbeam Assistance - Speed Limit Sign Recognition - 30% BiK

Purchase Price and Running Costs

A Peugeot 3008 costs anywhere between £8,000 and £35,000 depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model, whether it is petrol, diesel or hybrid and if there are any additional features added on. Similarly, the running costs are entirely dependent on whether you opt for a petrol/diesel or hybrid model. The 1.5-litre diesel receives 55mpg, an impressive fuel economy that will keep fuel costs down for your business. The hybrid can get up to 220mpg, meaning it may be worthwhile to spend a bit more on the initial purchase price in order to benefit from the low running costs.

MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman is the most versatile and spacious MINI yet, with plenty of innovative technology and a stylish design to keep your fleet looking good and progressing quickly.

Engines and Transmission

The Countryman has four engine options to choose from: 1.5-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel and the hybrid, offering power outputs of 134hp to 217hp. There is also the choice of either six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearboxes in the petrol/diesel and an automatic gearbox as standard in the hybrids.

Comfort and Storage

The MINI Countryman is comfortable overall, but is let down by the firm suspension that tends to struggle with potholes and bumpy roads. On the positive side, it is surprisingly quiet when driving along fast roads. If your business transports lots of packages or requires lots of storage space, the Countryman may be the car for your fleets as it has an impressive 1,390L of boot space and the rear bench can fold down to create even more space if necessary. Unfortunately, the hybrid loses some of this due to the battery pack, but it still remains a large boot compared to other cars.

Fuel Efficiency

The Countryman has 56mpg when front wheel drive is chosen, and 47.1mpg when four-wheel drive is chosen, making the front wheel the more appropriate choice if you’re looking to save money. If you opt for the hybrid, you could enjoy 157mpg. The CO2 emissions are very low at 40g/km.

Other Features:

- 1,390 Litre Boot Space - Union Jack Rear Lights - Adaptive LED Headlights - Twinpower Turbocharged Engines - 33% BiK

Purchase Price and Running Costs

A MINI Countryman can cost anywhere between £12,000 and £35,480 depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model, the mileage, whether it is petrol, diesel or hybrid and if there are any additional features added on. The cost to run it largely depends on the engine you opt for, particularly if you choose the hybrid which will cost you much less in fuel costs. With the front wheel drive, the fuel economy is 56mpg, meaning the Countryman is still very fuel efficient even if you choose the petrol or diesel engines.

Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine

The XC60 T8 is a high performance car with high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, the best of both worlds.

Engines and Transmission

Despite being called Twin Engine, the Volvo XC60 T8 doesn’t actually have two engines but instead combines a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. It has an eight-speed automatic gearbox and the engine has a power output of 316hp, driving the front wheels, whilst the motor has a power output of 86hp, driving the rear wheels.

Comfort and Storage

The XC60 T8 has a very spacious interior with a decent amount of knee, shoulder and head room both in the front and back. The suspension gets mixed reviews, some think it is incredibly effective at softening bumps and jolts, whilst others think it’s less than perfect. The boot offers 505L of space, which is less than half that of the mini, but still large enough for you to fit plenty of things in. The back bench also folds down, offering much more room if needed.

Handling

The steering of the Volvo XC60 T8 feels light but it is unfortunately less responsive and accurate than others on our list and can sometimes feel harsh to drive. The eight-speed gearbox performs well overall but can struggle with sudden acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency

If you were to drive optimally using only the electric motor, you could get up to 128mpg. With a combination of driving using petrol and the electric motor, you would get 45.5mpg. The Volvo XC60 T8 has the highest CO2 emissions of the list, but still remains low at 161g/km and has up to 27 miles zero exhaust emission range.

Other Features:

- Turbocharged 2.0 Litre Petrol Engine - Power Assisted Steering - 13% BiK

Purchase Price and Running Costs

A Volvo XC60 T8 can cost anywhere between £15,850 and £53,725 depending on whether you purchase a used or brand new model, the mileage, and if there are any additional features added on. If you were to drive optimally using electric, your business could save lots of money on the fuel, however, when just using petrol, the fuel economy is average at 45.5mpg and less fuel efficient than the other cars on our list. For more tips and advice on fleet management and vehicle tracking, see the rest of our helpful guides.