The best hybrid company cars - driven, ranked and rated

Our choice: Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line

When it comes to the corporate car park pecking order, the kudos of the three-pointed star takes some beating. Sure, it’s not the sharpest driving tool in the box, but the classy and cosseting C-Class still feels a cut above. 

Lurking behind the C200’s imposing grille is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s boosted by a 19bhp electric motor for a total of 201bhp. 

That looks modest on paper, but it results in a 155mph top speed and 0-62mph time of just 5.7sec, while CO2 emissions place it in the 38% BIK bracket. It sounds strained when extended, but it's hushed the rest of the time and there’s a decent dose of mid-range urge. 

Suspension geared toward comfort delivers a plush ride, which is matched to low levels of wind and road noise. And while it lacks the handling precision of a BMW 3 Series, the rear-drive C-Class steers accurately and clings on gamely. Inside, some of the materials aren’t up to the brand’s usual high standards, but it looks great and there’s decent space and plenty of kit. 

Our choice: Honda Civic 2.0 i-MMD e:HEV Advance

For most of us with 99-octane unleaded running through our veins, the Type R is the only Honda Civic worth thinking about. However, you ignore the standard car at your peril, because it’s one of the most capable compact hatches money can buy (or salary sacrificed for, in the case of company car users).

For starters, its clever 181bhp hybrid system delivers the response, punch and smoothness of an EV with the everyday usability of an ICE. Then there’s the chassis, which combines with nicely weighted and accurate steering to serve up poised and agile handling. It rides well too and refinement is strong, which is important when you’re racking up motorway miles on all those long-haul appointments.

In a world of SUVs, it feels good to sit nice and low in the Civic’s cabin, which packs a suitably premium vibe thanks to its decent-quality materials and smart design. It’s also remarkably roomy, while the boot features a large hatchback opening and a 410-litre capacity - more than enough for all those sales samples. As for the bottom line, the Honda claims up to 60.1mpg at the pumps and the car falls into the 26% BIK bracket.

Our choice: Toyota Corolla 2.0 VVT-i Design Hybrid

Following a very similar template to the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla is a family hatch that combines decent driving dynamics with level-headed practicality and refreshingly affordable running costs.

Like all of Toyota’s latest generation of cars, the Corolla is based on the brand’s TNGA (Toyota Next Generation Architecture) platform. Developed with more ‘enthusiastic’ European driving tastes in mind, it has helped turn the Toyota from dull to dynamic. Crisp handling allows you to pick your way quickly and accurately down twisting back roads. 

It rides with deft compliance too and serves up decent refinement. This is helped by its carefully finessed hybrid powertrain, which combines with Toyota’s clever epicyclic power-splitter transmission (it’s like a CVT, but not) to dispense eager and linear acceleration, especially in more muscular 193bhp 2.0-litre form, which can crack 0-62mph in 7.4sec. There’s also a 1.8-litre, which is slower but no more efficient. 

Speaking of which, with fuel returns in excess of 60mpg and CO2 emissions of as low as 98g/km (that’ll be a BIK rating of 24%, thank you), the Toyota is a business-savvy choice. Factor in a generous kit count, roomy cabin and unburstable reliability, and the Corolla deserves a place on our user-chooser roll of honour.

Our choice: Peugeot 408 Hybrid 136 e-DSC6  Allure 

For quite a few years in the noughties, Peugeot lost its way a little. The dynamic sparkle and design flair that marked out the best of its ’80s and ’90s offerings disappeared, leaving the French firm a shadow of its former self. However, with cars such as the latest 408, it appears the lion is roaring once more.

Yes, it’s another SUV-inspired crossover, but the 408 is at least an elegant one, with sleek coupé lines that hide a classy and surprisingly accommodating interior. Quality is good, while details such as the 3D-effect instrument cluster add interest.

Another aspect that’ll grab your attention is the neat and precise handling that calls to mind the firm's finer efforts from its standard-setting dynamic heyday. It’s just a shame the ride lacks some of the typical fluidity provided by French machines in the past, with a slightly stiff-legged low-speed gait. 

And while the mild-hybrid drivetrain is smooth and efficient, it has just 134bhp at its disposable so it’s no firebrand, even if the standard six-speed auto does its best to maximise what’s available. Still a promised fuel return of up to 52.5mpg helps compensate, while a BIK rating of 27% means lower-rate earners sacrifice just £1800 over the course of a year.

Our choice: Kia Niro 1.6 GDi 3

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to the Kia Niro, which is available with either full-electric, plug-in or ‘self-charging’ hybrid power. However, for most, it’s the self-charging hybrid that delivers the best blend of usability and value, even if company car users can save more on tax with the more heavily electrified models.

Boldly redesigned a couple of years ago, the second-generation Niro exudes some distinctive kerb appeal, especially if you go for the contrasting C-pillar paint finish. Inside, it packs enough space for five and a dashboard that neatly combines the latest in TFT screens with easy-to-use physical switchgear. It feels well screwed together too, with plenty of standard kit, even in the entry-level 2 versions. 

It’s not the most exciting to drive, but the Niro is capable and composed when pushing on, even if the trade-off is a firm low-speed ride. The tried and tested hybrid drivetrain also offers unruffled progress, with more than enough performance for most daily duties, plus its 25% BIK rating is lower than many traditional hybrid models.

Our choice: Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Advance

Closely related to the Kia Niro, the Hyundai Tucson is an SUV that knows how to turn on the style. Recently refreshed to keep showroom interest high, the Korean machine’s distinctive looks have been left largely unchanged, which means you still won’t lose yours in the company car park.

The biggest changes have been reserved for the interior, which now takes its cues from the firm’s Ioniq 5 EV. That means there's a double-width screen ahead of the driver that houses the infotainment and instrument cluster, plus an increase in quality that helps give the Tucson a real dose of premium appeal.

Happily, the step upmarket hasn’t harmed practicality, with plenty of rear-seat space and cavernous 577-litre boot (although non-hybrid models are bigger still, at 620 litres). The cabin is comfortable too, with supportive seats and decent refinement. It all helps make the Hyundai an excellent long-haul express.

The Tucson is less at home away from the motorway, but the handling is accurate enough and there’s plenty of grip. Just don’t expect much in the way of excitement. The same goes for the petrol-electric powertrain, which delivers a decent 212bhp but is hampered by a slow-witted dual-clutch gearbox. And with CO2 emissions of 129g/km, its BIK rating of 30% is a little on the high side.

Our choice: Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost mHEV ST-Line 125PS

If ever proof were needed that the new car market has changed beyond all recognition in the past couple of decades, the Focus provides it. Once a mainstay of driveways up and down the UK, Ford’s former family favourite is now something of a niche choice and soon to be dropped from the brand’s line-up.

It’s a shame, because the Focus is a powerful reminder of just how good conventional compact hatchbacks can be. The latest version still sets the standard for driver fun, with quick steering and sharp handling that manages to raise a smile even after a tough day in the office. The dynamic masterclass extends to a supple ride and refinement strong enough to make it tolerable on extended motorway trips.

Under the bonnet is the familiar turbocharged 1.0-litre triple that’s boosted by a mild-hybrid unit to deliver either 123bhp or 153bhp, depending on the model. Both deliver eager performance and drive through a reasonably slick seven-speed automatic.

The Ford isn’t as classy inside as premium rivals, but it’s solidly built, well equipped and reasonably spacious (small boot aside). Better still, being lighter and more aerodynamic than SUV and crossover rivals means decent efficiency and a 28% BIK rating, which is lower than some self-charging hybrids.

Our choice: BMW 520i M Sport

Like Ford Focus in this list, the BMW 520i harks back to a pre-crossover era of defined classes and a clear automotive hierarchy. Yet while the Focus is being prepared for the scrapheap, the big German executive saloon is freshly launched and new from the ground up.

The latest G60-generation 5 Series isn’t as elegant as its predecessors, but there’s no denying it’s an imposing option, while its interior is typically spacious and full of rich materials. (The frustrating infotainment is the only letdown.) 

And while the BMW is a fairly big and heavy old Hector, the 520i drives with natural BMW balance and just enough rear-drive swagger. Crucially for a car that’ll be cruising motorways and fast arterials, the 5 Series offers exceptional noise isolation and comfort.

The all-electric i5 and plug-in models will be most popular with fleet managers, but this mild-hybrid version promises to be a reassuringly straightforward option. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol (there are no diesel 5 Series now) delivers a decent 205bhp, which is good for 0-62mph in 7.5sec, although its BIK rating of 31% means fairly high tax bills.