The report illustrates the importance of putting whole life costs before front end pricing in purchasing decisions. The Cowie survey showed a definite increase in the popularity of smaller models as company car buyers encouraged their employees to drive more environmentally friendly vehicles.

In the upper medium sector, the guide shows that relatively cheap cars like the Volvo 460 1.6i at £11,825, compares poorly with the 'expensive' £13,685 Renault Laguna 2.2 Diesel RT when it comes to the running costs. The Renault is estimated at 23.77 pence per mile over 60,000 miles compared with the Volvo at 25.25 pence per mile. The apparently cheap Hyundai Lantra at £11,895 turns out to be 2.5p per mile more expensive to run than the Citroen Xantia Turbo Diesel which retails at £14,445.

Produced with the backing of the AA, the Cowie Company Car Comparisons Guide is available to companies free from Interleasing on 0345 585840.