DIESEL

The arrival of the first Lexus diesel model in the shape of the IS 220d has resulted in many companies reintroducing Lexus to their company car choice lists.

IS 220d diesel models (168 g/km) have been reintroduced to the 500-strong fleet operated by office product suppliers Office Depot as a result of their low CO2 emissions.

Fleet manager Freddie Watts explained: “The change in company car tax to an emissions-based regime meant the old Lexus IS was omitted from our choice list because of its CO2 emissions.

“However, the introduction of a diesel model to the new IS line-up has resulted in the brand being reintroduced because it meets our benefit-in-kind tax criteria and, importantly, delivers on the wholelife cost front".

"Providing prestige vehicles for company car drivers is important from an employee recruitment and retention viewpoint and Lexus scores on that front.

“Models also come with a very high specification as standard, which company car drivers enjoy. That, coupled with benefit-in-kind tax bills being within employees’ budgets is why we have the IS 220d on our choice list.

“The car gives drivers a feeling of prestige, status and worth within the business and the Lexus brand delivers value for money.

Benefit-in-kind tax on the 175 bhp IS 220d SE (P11d price is £25,617) is £204.92 a month for a 40% taxpayer, while on the 178 bhp Audi A4 2.7 TDI SE (P11d value £27,875) the tax bill will be £241.58 a month.