20 cars that wrote fleet history

More than a thousand car models have been launched between 1997 and 2017, but some made a special mark in corporate mobility and deserve a spot in this two-decade fleet anthology.

 

Alfa Romeo 156 (1997)

After years of mediocracy, the Italian brand hit bull’s eye with the staggeringly seductive 156. Beneath its elegant, coupé-like body it hid the very first diesel engine with common rail injection. No wonder it put Alfa on the fleet map.

 

 

 

BMW 3-Series E46 (1998)

For the first time, the 3-Series offered the refinement, quality and top notch technology of the 5-Series while remaining compact and fun to drive. Strong residuals and contained running costs translated into attractive lease rates – and more customers.

 

 

 

BMW X5 (1999)

The Bavarian carmaker might not have invented the SUV, but it surely revamped the formula by seasoning it with car-like handling and athletic performance. Together with the Mercedes ML, it is the forefather of today’s premium sporty crossovers.

 

 

 

MINI Hatch (2000)

The very first premium city car, in the shape of a sixties legend, steeling the hearts of both young and old, user-chooser and fleet manager. Strong remarketing performance convinced lease companies to set high residual values, to the benefit of their customers.   

 

 

 

Citroën C3 (2002)

Everybody remembers the emblematic 2CV. So why not build a modern city car that has all of its spiritual father’s benefits – an original look, a modest price tag, low running costs – but none of its drawbacks? Still today, it is by far Citroën’s best-selling model.  

 

 

 

Toyota Prius II (2003)

The automotive world would be a different place if Toyota hadn’t launched the first hybrid twenty years ago. The first Prius to disembark on the Old Continent was the second-generation model, which after a timid start caused quite a stir in the fleet industry.  

 

 

Dacia Logan (2004)

The Ryanair amongst carmakers, or the epitome of industrial rationalisation? Without a doubt, Dacia could never have thought its Renault Clio-derived budget car Logan would become a world-wide hit, contributing considerably to the wellbeing of its French parent company.

 

 

 

Hyundai Tucson (2005)

Before the Tucson, many customers probably never even heard of Hyundai. The compact SUV laid the foundations to the brand awareness of the Korean carmaker, seducing private and corporate customers with lots of substance at modest prices.

 

 

 

Mercedes B-Class (2005)

The Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso were the chicken with the golden eggs for their makers back in the nineties and noughties. Mercedes was the first to lift the concept to premium level, inspiring rival BMW to copy the idea in 2014 with the 2-Series Active Tourer. 

 

 

 

Ford S-Max (2006)

That MPVs don’t have to be boring cars to drive and to look at, was proved by Ford with the S-Max. It was the first people carrier to offer more than just a roomy interior and flexible seating. Its diesel engines were amongst the best, combining efficiency with performance.

 

 

Fiat 500 (2007)

If there is anything that Fiat excels at, it is building small cars. Poring all their knowhow in a retro package, reviving a legendary name and getting their quality act together resulted in mind-blowing sales and the renaissance of the brand.

 

 

Audi A5 Sportback (2007)

Audi recognised a trend before it happened with the 5-door coupé A5 Sportback, stimulating BMW (4 Series GranCoupé) to follow its lead. It was more practical and more eye-catching than the A4 saloon, promising GT driving pleasure but always drawing between the lines.

 

 

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia (2009)

What do you do when people say you build uninspired middle-of-the-road cars? Catch them by surprise with a gorgeous, well put together, technologically advanced car that speaks to heart and mind. The Insignia Mk I meant the revival of Opel.

 

Volvo S60/V60 (2010)

The then Ford-owned Swedish carmaker put a convincing alternative to the German premium competition on the road with the S60 (saloon) and V60 (estate). Its 1.6 diesel engines were CO2 champions, while the D6 was the first plug-in diesel hybrid on the market.

 

 

Range Rover Evoque (2011)

All the luxury, capability and technology of a Range Rover in a compact package with then class-leadingly low CO2 emissions: JLR knew what they were doing with the Evoque. In the meantime, more than 650,000 units have been sold worldwide.

 

 

Tesla Model S (2012)

Impossible not to include the Model S in this anthology, as it is the trailblazer of long-distance electric mobility for executives. A clever marketing approach, a suite of unique services including free supercharging and convincing TCO figures: all the ingredients were united to ensure success. 

 

Renault Zoé (2012)

A car that deserves credit for initiating the electric wave in personal transport, requiring lots of courage (and investment) from its maker. Five years later, it is Europe’s best-selling EV and offers up to 400 km of range while remaining relatively affordable.

 

 

Skoda Octavia III (2013)

The textbook example of a company car: a thing of quality, solid, well-equipped, rational and affordable, all thanks to the knowhow and technology bestowed upon it by parent company Volkswagen. In many European countries, it is the best-selling fleet vehicle. 

 

 

 

Volkswagen Passat B8 (2014)

Blurring the lines between D and E segment in size and substance, the B8-generation of the VW Passat is the culmination of German engineering and a near-premium look & feel. Hard to find a competitor that offers the same combination of ingredients – unless in its own (Czech) ranks. 

 

 

Peugeot 3008 II (2016)

Revisiting a segment that now represents a quarter of all European new car sales with a daring cockpit concept and driver-involving dynamics, all the while enhancing fuel efficiency, safety and connectivity: the Peugeot 3008 was bound to be elected Car of the Year.