This sector has grown significantly over the decades. Maybe not first choice for a fleet, but the ability to downgrade creates opportunities for the company car driver. Superminis should be inexpensive, practical and pack bags of character. It’s hard to believe some are in their fourth or fifth incarnation.

Fiesta, now in its 30s, is the benchmark, closely followed by Corsa. French vehicles have well-received diesel engines and pronounced rear ends to maximise luggage space. Skoda has us believe the Fabia was redesigned in a cake factory – very tasty it is too.

Vehicles in this group now outclass cars from the sector above from 10 years ago on both size and specification.

The Fabia represents a strong package with high build quality and reliability, but the Corsa is a complete package that defines the sector, closely followed by the 207 with its competitive wholelife costs.

Fiat’s revival is due to it developing stylish small cars like the Grande Punto, though reliability concerns result in a low residual value and high running costs.

The Fiesta is now showing its age, and the Clio, though attracting some strong support, can’t offset the high running costs.

With dimensions and safety that would have been credible in the next sector up a few years ago, this should be the fastest growing sector in fleet – and Corsa moving up in size could be just the catalyst.

It’s hard to fault Vauxhall’s latest offering – engines, build quality, safety and options are excellent, while comfort and road-holding are equally impressive.

The problem is that competition is tough – Fabia has been a real eye-opener, Clio and 207 look and feel great, and Ford’s Fiesta is still a serious benchmark

The biggest surprise here is Grande Punto – sharing components with Corsa, this is every bit as good as the rest.

Superminis offer practicality with a ‘small car, big car feel’. With low fuel consumption, emissions and BIK tax, these cars make popular and cost- effective purchases. There is little to separate the competition in this sector.

The Fabia offers excellent build quality in this class and a distinctive sounding and frugal three-cylinder engine.

The Grande Punto is much improved and looks great with its Guigiaro styling compared to the ageing but able Fiesta.

The Clio and 207 are roomy and both are good value – however, a decent discount and low SMR costs make the Corsa the cheapest to lease.

AVERAGE LEASING RATES

A low SMR bill and decent support from Peugeot gives the keenly-priced 207 the lowest average monthly rental. However, all six are close with £14 a month separating first from last.

CO2 EMISSIONS

All six models fall into the lowest 18% benefit-in-kind tax band for diesel cars, so the tax difference is down to front-end price. It’s close, with £11 a year separating first and last. All cost £35 in Vehicle Excise Duty.

FUEL ECONOMY

Renault leads the way with the Clio returning 64.2mpg on the combined cycle. The Fabia is the least frugal, yet still returns 61.4mpg. This suggests that all will return real-world fuel economy in the high 50s.

RESIDUAL VALUES

A strong performance from the Fabia, which will retain an average of 38% of cost new after three years/ 60,000 miles. The Fiat retains the lowest with an average RV of just 28%.

AVERAGE DISCOUNT

Fiat is the most generous with support, offering an average of 15% off. Skoda’s support is fairly limited as you’d expect from a new model, while Ford is surprisingly the least generous given the Fiesta’s age.

AVERAGE MAINTENANCE

The Vauxhall is the only car to drop below the £1,000 mark for servicing, maintenance and repair costs over three years/60,000 miles. The Fiat, Ford and Peugeot are close, while the Skoda brings up the rear.

How they voted

1. Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi Club A/C

P11D price: £11,275
2007 BIK bill (22%): £446
2007 VED bill: £35

RENTAL RATES:
DCFM: £230
Hitachi Capital: £235
Lex: £212
Lloyds TSB autolease: £212

VERDICT: Low SMR costs and a fair degree of support put the Corsa first. It’s competitive on economy and has the second lowest monthly rental rate.

2. Skoda Fabia2 1.4 TDI 80

P11D price: £11,090
2007 BIK bill (22%): £439
2007 VED bill: £35
RENTAL RATES:
DCFM: £230
Hitachi Capital: £243
Lex: £201
Lloyds TSB autolease: £239

VERDICT: By far the highest RV forecast, but it is expensive in SMR terms. Limited support gives it the second highest rental. Least fuel efficient here.

3. Peugeot 207 1.4 HDi S

P11D price: £10,990
2007 BIK bill (22%): £435
2007 VED bill: £35

RENTAL RATES
DCFM: £215
Hitachi Capital: £224
Lex: £211
Lloyds TSB autolease: £224

VERDICT: A strong performance all round gives the cheapest monthly rental rate. RV is on a par with rivals, while SMR bills are among the lowest.

4. Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Style Climate

P11D price: £11,110
2007 BIK bill (22%): £439
2007 VED bill: £35

RENTAL RATES DCFM: £231
Hitachi Capital: £236
Lex: £217
Lloyds TSB autolease: £244

VERDICT: Despite its age the Fiesta is still a strong choice, although limited support gives the highest monthly rental. Residuals still holding firm, too.

5. Renault Clio dCi 86 A/tique A/C

P11D price: £10,870
2007 BIK bill (22%): £430
2007 VED bill: £35

RENTAL RATES
DCFM: £225
Hitachi Capital: £238
Lex: £211
Lloyds TSB autolease: £233

VERDICT: Strong RV and decent support put the Clio right into the mix, although SMR bills are high. Easily the most frugal model though.

6. Fiat G/Punto 1.3 MJet 75 Dynam

P11D price: £11,115
2007 BIK bill (22%): £440
2007 VED bill: £35

RENTAL RATES
DCFM: £218
Hitachi Capital: £238
Lex: £205
Lloyds TSB autolease: £237

VERDICT: Despite having the highest level of support, the Fiat falls down with a poor residual value forecast in this company. Praised for its styling.