Steer your purchasing decision in the right direction with our round-up of the five most popular fleet cars on the market (according to the Society for Motor Manufacturing and Traders).

Ford Focus: £12,495-21,145

Having scored 80 per cent in the JD Power customer satisfaction poll, the Focus has sold in consistent volumes since its 1998 launch. As well as being spacious, it has low running costs and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Aside from ticking the style and comfort boxes, the car scored five stars in its crash test rating from car safety assessment group Euro NCAP, making it a firm favourite with fleet managers.

Volkswagen Golf: £12,280-20,235

More expensive than its rivals, the Golf is often viewed as a semi-premium brand, acting as a motivational car for employees. It combines a roomy, stylish interior with a host of safety features, including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, all of which ensured a five-star NCAP safety rating. Every Golf also comes with electric front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking and air conditioning.

Vauxhall Astra: £11,495-19,175

Quiet and responsive, the Astra represents good value for money with reasonable tax and insurance costs. Mechanically sound, some of the cars within the range sport materials said to be as good as those of the highly rated Volkswagen Golf. The car also scored five stars in the NCAP assessment.

Vauxhall Zafira: £12,995-22,740

A sturdy, reliable drive, this car has another five-star NCAP rating with front and side airbags. It seats up to seven people, making it a family-friendly option if you are looking to provide some employees with an added incentive beyond work use.

Vauxhall Corsa: £7,995-16,200

Lower priced than the Astra and Zafira, the Corsa also offers affordable insurance costs. This is the third Vauxhall to feature in our list, which demonstrates the popularity of the manufacturer with companies. This is due, in part, to the practical consideration of dealerships being present in most towns – helping to minimise servicing and maintenance time.