Confusion reigns in the press over who has the best company car, and it’s not helped by two completely different magazines having awards coming out at the same time. But the only winners can be the drivers, because they get two different opinions from two reliable sources – and the only arguments are between the award winners. Maybe hey sort it out after school behind the bike sheds?

FLEET NEWS awards are voted by a panel made up of fleet industry experts as well as senior members of the Fleet News editorial team, chaired by former SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan and audited by Deloitte with the New Company Car of the Year and Fleet Manufacturer of the Year voted on by fleet operator readers of Fleet News.

BUSINESS CAR MANAGER (the online car magazine for company cars) had its winners chosen by an editorial panel headed by editor Ralph Morton and road test editor Sam Hardy, with the Awards identifying winners in 9 different categories ranging from the environmentally and financially responsible – Best Sub-100g/km Business Car – to the more frivolous – It’s My Business and I’ll Buy What I Want To.

So, who won?

In Fleet News, they voted the Volkswagen Passat as the best new company car of 2011 using criteria based on operating costs (depreciation, fuel, servicing, maintenance and repair, lease rates, tax liability), suitability for their use as business cars and the level of support from the manufacturers and their corporate sales teams.

But Business Car Manager had the new BMW 3 Series in 320d form as its overall winner; with the judges commenting that is was a car “offering an unbeatable combination of competitive running costs, strong performance, low driver taxation, impressive environmental credentials – and good, old fashioned driving fun.”

Admittedly BMW was crowned as the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year voted for by readers of the Fleet News so at least there is some sort of synergy there and other awards between the two publications went to Ford, Kia, Skoda, SEAT, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Range-Rover, Mini, Audi, Hyundai, Toyota and BMW in the car categories.

But of course it all depends what you are looking for and the wording of the awards. Some of the wording is decidedly “we want to give an award to someone but can’t think of a name so let’s make one up!”

FLEET NEWS AWARDS:

Ford Fiesta won Best Small Car, with its very close relative, the Ford, Focus, picking up the award for Lower-Medium car.

Best Upper-medium Car went to The VW Passat (which, as you know, also won best in breed!) and Best People Carrier went to the SEAT Alhambra.

Best Estate Car was awarded to the Skoda Superb estate and best all-round 4×4 to the Toyota Land Cruiser. (How do you to get to be all-round?)

In the big boys classes, Best Premium Car went to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and, up there at the pinnacle of the “look at me; I’ve made it” tree, sits the BMW 5 series with its Best Boardroom Car award.

Oooh! Even more awards with indescribable titles. Best Crossover (what does that mean?) went to the Nissan Qashqai, Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year and went to Skoda, and Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year went to Toyota/Lexus; who were described as “environmental beacons not just for the motor industry, but for every industry” by the judges

BUSINESS CAR MANAGER aims to help small businesses and SME firms to run their cars efficiently and cost- effectively. And their WINNERS were.

Best Sub-100g/km Business Car was the Kia Rio 1.1 EcoDynamics and Best Business Car for First Year Allowances (sub 110g/km), the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics.

Obviously by Company Cars here, they mean business cars, especially as the winner of the Best Company Car is the Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost 125PS.

Best Estate Car was the Hyundai i40 Estate (with Fleet News’ winner the Skodia Superb nowhere!) and the Best Executive Car, the New BMW 3 Series.

Other award winners were the Audi A6 Avant, MINI Countryman Cooper D (Best Micro Business Owner’s Car – how appropriate!), and the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics as best SME Director’s Car.

They even had an award called the “It’s My Business and I’ll Buy What I Want To” award, won by the Range Rover Evoque SD4 with commendations for the Audi Q5 3.0TDI,  BMW 640d and the Porsche Panamera Diesel. I presume they mean the “Car I WOULD get if they let me” award.

And comments from the winners backstage as seen on ITV2 hosted by some 5th rate celebrity who used to be a reality star before the scandal with their ex-partner’s dog?

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny was at the Fleet News Awards dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel to celebrate the Alhambra’s latest success. He said: “To receive this trophy from Fleet News means a great deal to us at SEAT. We know the Alhambra is a very impressive MPV and the near-constant stream of important awards such as this reinforces that belief.”

And Martin Burke, ŠKODA UK’s Head of Fleet Sales, was also delighted. “To be receiving [an award] for our work in the corporate sector, so crucial to our future plans, makes these awards all the more satisfying.”

With FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £475 and the new 12 plate now available, there has never been a better time to get behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage.

Sleek, exhilarating and urban-friendly, the new Kia Sportage offers all the style and performance you’ll ever need, along with a fantastic specification, high quality cabin and a raft of integral safety features.

Under the bonnet, the Kia Sportage boasts a range of highly efficient engines including an all-new 1.7 CRDi diesel engine. The new 1.7 CRDi diesel engine delivers up to 54.3 MPG on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of just 135g/Km thanks to Kia’s intelligent Stop & Go system, helping you save even more time and money at the fuel pumps.

Until 31st March, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a special stock offer on the Kia Sportage with FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £475!

One our best deals is on the Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 1, in stock to lease from just £217.95 + VAT a month. Standard features on this model include:

• Bluetooth Connectivity

• Radio/CD with MP3 player

• USB/iPod/Auxiliary Input Connections

• Cruise Control

• LED Daytime Running Lights

• Air Conditioning

• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Kia Sportage and to get an instant quotation on any model in the range, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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If striking style and breathtaking good-looks are at the top of your new car list, there has never been a better time to get behind the wheel of the all-new Kia Rio.

Recently awarded the Red Dot 2012 ‘Product Design’ award, the all-new Kia Rio fought off competition from more than 1,800 manufacturers to win the prestigious design award, which will be presented at a glamorous gala event in Germany on 2nd July.

The Kia Rio joins the Kia Picanto to bring Kia’s Red Dot wins to a total of six, with the Soul winning in 2009, Venga in 2010, and Sportage and Optima claiming top spots in 2011.

To celebrate Kia’s impressive win, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a fantastic offer on the all-new Kia Rio.

One of our best deals is on the Kia Rio 1.25 1 available to lease from just £133.95 + VAT a month. Standard features include Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary socket, daytime running lights and hill start assist control.

As Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are also an approved Kia introducer, you can be also sure you’re getting the best deal on your new Kia Rio when you lease with us.

To find out more about the all-new Kia Rio, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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It looks like this month may well be the most exciting of the year. With the debut of new F1 vehicles, the Geneva motor show, and Kia’s newest revelations, we seem to be bombarded with a flurry of exciting information. Of these, Kia’s all-new flagship sedan will most certainly impress, ultimately offering the consumer more than ever before.

While it may not be in production just yet, the first official sketches of the new sedan have been revealed amidst some positive emotion. While not a great deal is known about the vehicles parameters or specifications, the codename KH has come up several times. It is through this name that some small facts have been unveiled.

Most notable of these secret features is that the vehicle will be rear-wheel drive and will be implementing the very best design and technological features.  Most prominent of these has been front-end design that appears like something you’d find in a high-end luxury vehicle. This is certainly carried through from the grill to the modern headlamp system. Furthermore, the hood itself is designed to have a classic car look while still maintaining a clear technological edge.

The Kia team has put a great deal of effort into the sketches, knowing full well that many individuals will be basing their opinions on the drawings. There was a great deal of emphasis places on its initial developments, making sure that the simple side lines emphasize the spaciousness as well as bold dynamic. This, combined with the lamp clusters and chrome accents, certainly give the impression that this car will make quite an impact on the sedan market.

Currently, the secret vehicle is set to be unveiled in Kia’s own domestic market some time in 2012. No word yet as to whether the car will be making its way to the European mainland or the UK. This ambiguity has unfortunately meant that the UK market may not see their vehicle for awhile, if ever. While plans could certainly change, it doesn’t look like there will be much hope for the next little while.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to announce a special stock offer on the all-new Kia Optima, available to lease from just £226.95 + VAT a month.

Boasting a bold new style, sharp driving dynamics and low running costs, the new Kia Optima is set to rival the popular Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb in the competitive family car class.

From the outside, the Optima’s distinctive design with LED running lights and a classy chrome strip has hints of Jaguar’s sleek XF saloon, appealing to more expensive and upmarket rivals.

Inside, the stylish cabin offers plenty of room with impressive head and legroom for passengers and a generous 505-litre boot capacity.

Under the bonnet, the Kia Optima boasts a 134bhp 1.7-litre CRDi diesel offering a smooth and punchy performance with CO2 emissions of just 128g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption at a respectable 57.5mpg.

The all-new Kia Optima 1.7 CRDi 1 ISG is now available to lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts from just £226.95 + VAT a month on a business contract with cars in stock for quick delivery. Standard features on this model include:

• Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Control

• Cruise Control + Speed Limiter

• Radio/CD with MP3 Player

• USB and Auxiliary Socket

• LED Daytime Running Lights

• Air Conditioning

• Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel

• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of this fantastic Kia car leasing offer, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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Following the successful launch of the Rio 5-door last September, the eagerly awaited Kia Rio 3-door finally goes on sale in the UK with leasing rates starting from just £129.95 + VAT a month.

Set to take on the supermini sector by storm, the new Kia Rio boasts the same style, engine and trim line-up we’ve learnt to love on the 5-door, but is available in three door guise for the first time.

Under the bonnet, the Kia Rio 3-Door is available with a choice of four engines – two petrol and two diesel, with the most efficient engine in the range – the 1.1 CRDi – delivering a respectable 74bhp and 170Nm of torque whilst boasting CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and fuel economy of at least 74.3mpg.

For those after a little more power, the 1.4-litre Gamma petrol engine develops an impressive 107bhp and 137Nm of torque, whilst also offering buyers the convenience of an automatic gearbox as an option.

As with the 5-door, the new Kia Rio 3-door is offered in 4 trim grades – the ’1′, ’1 Air’, ’2′ and ’3′ – all offering a generous specification as standard.

The entry level ’1′ trim boasts daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, electric front electric windows, split folding rear seats and an MP3-compatible radio/CD with USB and AUX ports. Bluetooth is also offered as standard on the petrol entry model.

For those who want to splash out, the top-of-the-range ’3′ specification adds 17-inch alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running lights, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and heated front seats.

The all-new Kia Rio 3-door is now available to lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Prices start from just £129.95 + VAT a month for the 1.25 1.

To find out more about the new Kia Rio 3-door and to get an instant quotation on any model in the range, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some super stock savings available across a great range of vehicles including the Mercedes C Class, Citroen DS4 and Vauxhall Corsa.

First up is an amazing offer on the Mercedes C Class Saloon C250 2.2 CDi BluEF Sport Auto, in stock to lease from just £289.95 + VAT a month – fantastic value for a car of this specification! Boasting a striking new style, a luxurious interior and powerful 2.2 CDi BluEF engine, it’s no surprise that the Mercedes C Class Saloon has won over the hearts of consumer and critics alike. Standard features on the above model include automatic climate control, liverpool cloth/artico leather upholstery, front & rear parktronic system and 18″ AMG alloy wheels.

The popular Citroen C3 1.4HDi 70 VTR+ has been reduced by a further £95 a month with prices now starting from just £129.95 + VAT on a 2 year contract. Compact on the outside but spacious on the inside, the Citroen C3 is ideal car for the city thanks to its compact design, comfortable interior and handy 10.2m turning circle. The VTR+ trim also comes well-equipped with Bluetooth, cruise control, air con and 15” alloy wheels.

It’s your last chance to take advantage of FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £475 on the Kia Sportage before our offer ends on 31st January. Prices now start from just £217.95 + VAT a month for the Kia Sportage 17. CRDi 1 with Bluetooth, cruise control, aux-input socket and 16″ alloy wheels all offered as standard on this fantastic model. A selected number of higher spec ’2′ and ’3′ models are also in stock for quick delivery.

You can now save up to a further £5 a month when you lease the Vauxhall Corsa 3 Door 1.2 SXi A/C with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Prices now start from just £119.95 + VAT a month with cars in stock for March delivery. The high-spec SXi trim comes well-equipped with air con, daytime running lights, front sports seats, sports leather steering wheel and 16 alloy wheels.

The Citroen DS4 1.6 HDi 110 DStyle is now available to lease from just £189.95 on a 2 year contract, representing a saving of up to £67 a month. Recently named ‘Most Beautiful Car Of The Year’ the DS4′s striking exterior and well-equipped interior rivals even the hottest of hatchbacks. Features include rear parking sensors, dual zone air con and 18” alloy wheels.

Finally the all-new Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback 1.6 LS is now in stock to lease from just £169.95 + VAT a month. Revamped for 2012, the new Chevrolet Cruze boasts better fuel economy and more standard equipment than ever before. Standard features on the 1.6 LS model include aux input socket, air con, tinted glass and follow me home headlights.

To take advantage of one of these fantastic stock deals, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 2 or 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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Don’t miss out on our super stock deal on the all-new Kia Picanto 3 Door 1.0 1 available to lease from just £99.95 + VAT a month!

Boasting a striking new style, improved cabin space and a more powerful, economical engine range, the all-new Kia Picanto already has a string of awards until its belt including Top Gear’s ‘Bargain of the Year’.

But don’t let the Picanto’s compact size fool you – this cheeky city car doesn’t skimp when it comes to standard equipment with all Picanto models boasting radio/CD with MP3 player, body colour bumpers, daytime running lights and electric front windows.

The all-new Kia Picanto is now available to lease from £99.95 + VAT a month for the 3 Door 1.0 1.

Until 31st January, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is also offering FREE Metallic Paint with every Kia ordered before the end of the month – saving you an extra £415!

To take advantage of these fantastic savings before it’s too late, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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You can now save up to a further £35 a month when you lease the Kia Sportage with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts before 31st January.

With its quirky new style, powerful engine range and well-equipped interior, the Kia Sportage is a fantastic alternative to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai iX35 and Ford Kuga, offering exceptional value for money.

The Kia Sportage is also pretty impressive when it comes to standard specification with the entry level ‘1’ trim boasting Bluetooth, cruise control, aux-input socket and 16” alloy wheels, all at no extra cost.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has reduced the monthly rentals across the popular Kia Sportage range with savings of up to £35 a month available on selected models.

Prices start from just £217.95 + VAT a month for the Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 1 with cars in stock for quick delivery.

The high-spec Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 3 is also available to lease from just £253.95 + VAT adding cruise control, reverse parking sensors, xenon headlights, full leather upholstery and 18’’ alloy wheels to the already generous specification.

To view the full Kia Sportage range and to get an instant quotation on any model, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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Until 31st January, you can take advantage of FREE Metallic Paint on EVERY Kia when you lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Whether you’re after a nippy city car like the Kia Picanto or a robust crossover like the Kia Sportage, we’re offering FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £475 when you order between 23/01/2011 until 31/01/2011.

For those on a strict budget, the Kia Picanto and Kia Rio offer fantastic value for money with prices starting from as little as £99.95 + VAT a month. Both of these stylish superminis have been recently redesigned for 2011 offering more style, comfort and economy than ever before.

If you have the family to consider, the popular Kia Cee’d and Kia Cee’d SW are now available to lease from just £163.95 + VAT a month. Since its launch in 2006, the Kia Cee’d range has been turning heads with its style, versatility and its award-winning 7-year warranty. No wonder it was chosen as Top Gear’s ‘Reasonably Priced Car’.

Finally, the robust Kia Sportage is now available to lease from just £217.95 + VAT a month with selected models in stock for quick delivery. Thanks to its quirky new style, powerful engine range and well-equipped interior, the Kia Sportage has grown to become one of the most stylish and popular SUV’s on the market. It also comes with a generous standard specification including Bluetooth, cruise control, aux-input socket and 16” alloy wheels.

To view the full Kia range and to take advantage of this fantastic FREE Metallic Paint offer, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!