When it comes to major purchases, you want to trust you’re spending your money right. Buying a car for any reason is a big financial commitment. But buying for business means there are more boxes that need to be ticked to ensure it’s reliable, professional and fit for the job and its needs at hand.
Regardless of whether you’re purchasing for yourself or you’re deciding on a company car for employees, choosing something that represents the best return on investment is crucial. Most corporate car shoppers are after a vehicle that’s reasonably priced, suits the business requirements and has a good safety record.
There are several business car leasing options, which are a great way to get your business the vehicles required, without the added hassle and costs of purchasing them. Whether you are looking at one car or a fleet, we have put together our top five best business car models to always consider:
1. Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai won Australia’s best car awards in 2016 for the Tucson model, and it’s easy to see why. The car is great value for money, has fantastic design and function with quality on-the-road performance making day-to-day business duties that much easier.
Hyundai cars have always scored high for low running and repair costs, fuel consumption, insurance costs, standard features, safety ratings, build and finish quality, driving smoothness and cost of depreciation. The Tucson models tick all these boxes, making it an impressive choice in the mid-size SUV segment. If you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable ride with a luxurious interior and the latest features, the Tucson gives you the best bang for your buck.
Buyer Tip: The Hyundai Tucson comes in a 2.0L petrol or 2.0L turbo diesel model. The petrol model is by far the cheaper of the two. If you spend a lot of time driving around for business this would be the smarter option.
2. Mazda 3
The Mazda boasts sophistication and luxury. It’s rated as a comfortable ride, with generous equipment levels and head-turning good looks. Originally introduced in 2003, the third generation of the model is one of the best compact cars on the market.
If you’re an environmentally conscious business owner that values efficiency, the Mazda 3 has low CO2 emissions, making it a green-friendly option. Company car drivers wanting to cut their benefit-in-kind tax bills can benefit from these vehicles because of the significant savings, low depreciation and strong residual values. In February 2018, the Mazda 3 was a top selling car, providing improved driving experience, console storage and redesigned steering wheel. Performance and price give these vehicles a strong corporate appeal.
3. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Recognised as one of the best low emission green cars, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV sets the standard for SUV efficiency. If your business involves making short journeys, this car is perfect as it’s cheap to run, easy to drive and rated as a best-selling electric hybrid (if you opt for the hybrid model over the standard Outlander PHEV).
Mitsubishi has always been a reliable brand for good cars, but this ride has been the best-selling one of its type throughout Europe and the UK. It boasts ground-breaking technology, superior environmental performance and green credentials, EV versatility and easy driving. If you’ve driven a conventional model of the Outlander you’ll know it performs well on the road. The PHEV model performs even better, with smoother operation, higher efficiency and better safety and comfort, making it Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV.
Buyer Tip: Brace yourself for the 2019 model, labelled as the ‘powertrain’ of Mitsubishi Outlanders. Whilst it’s not expected to hit Australia until the second half of 2018, it gives you time to increase those savings if you’re after something a little more up market.
4. Ford Ranger
For corporate buyers that crave space, comfort and functionality, the Ford Ranger is a remarkable purchase – particularly if you require 4WD capabilities. It was crowned Australia’s best-selling 4x4 in 2017, offering a smarter and tougher ute for industries that need something reliable and capable of anything. The ranger has been engineered for all environments and each make is consistently brilliant.
Highlighting a sizable tray, XLT trim, radar cruise control, first-in-class driver safety aids and more, it’s packed with an extensive list of standard features to offer the best value in its segment. To drive, the Ranger remains stable and secure at all speeds and bumps, even with significant weight loaded into the cargo area.
5. Hyundai iLoad
Another fantastic Hyundai purchase is the iLoad, designed for drivers that rely on the space capacity of a van for doing business, with style and safety in mind. Hyundai pride themselves on building vehicles that are cost-smart and dependable. The iLoad is one of Australian buyer’s favourite vans, and with a swag of extra features in the later models, it brings it closer to the classy new European rivals like the Mercedes-Benz Vito and Volkswagen Transporter.
This people mover is fuel economical, comfortable and easy to drive. Combined with intelligent technology and advanced safety features (4-star ANCAP safety rating), cabin comfort and reversing camera, the iLoad presents exceptional value.
Buyer Tip: For business owners that want next-level new technology and safety, invest in the 2017 model with more luxury features, including an upgraded steering wheel and gear lever and better instrumentation.
Choosing the ultimate car for your business doesn’t have to be a challenge. By weighing up your budget and needs, you’re in a better position to make a strategic purchase aligned with your business needs. For more information about how easifleet can assist with your fleet of business vehicles, speak to one of our experts today.
