The Vauxhall Astra was the most popular company car supplied by contract hire giant Lex during 2007.

The list was dominated by Vauxhall, Ford and Volkswagen, who between them made seven of the top 10 cars. Overall, Ford was the most popular fleet brand with three vehicles in the top 10.

Lex has a fleet of 273,503 vehicles.

The Astra is the most popular, followed closely by Ford’s Focus.

The fourth-placed Audi A3 has risen in popularity since the last survey in 2005, when it wasn’t in the top 10.

The same is true of the Ford Mondeo in fifth.

Unsurprisingly, diesel models dominate the fuel mix and account for 80% of all cars purchased in 2007 compared with 64% in 2005.

“The last few times we have carried out this analysis a Focus-sized car has proven the most popular fleet car,” said Steve Jones, Lex’s pricing manager.

“The Government’s move to a CO2 based benefit-in-kind tax system has certainly helped encourage company motorists to downsize their choice of car.

“With more different versions of the same car being launched motorists have got a wider choice than they have ever had before.”