Welcome to Business Car Manager

The world might be in a sticky place financially. And Britain in particular is the lame duck according to the International Monetary Fund. But what all the media doom-mongering disguises is this simple fact: life goes on for businesses. It might be difficult. It’s unquestionably stretching. But no small business owner waves the white flag without a fight.

Neither do the car manufacturers. They’re not in a happy place either. But we have some great new business cars. The Jaguar XF with its new high-power engine sounds fantastic. And yet your company car tax bill will be far better with the new car. Ditto the new Mercedes C-Class. And if both these are beyond your budget, how about the great new Fiesta? All the driving fun you could want at a price you can afford.

And if you want to have fun at testing your off-road driving skills – on muddy crests like the one pictured– then we have a Mercedes-Benz World off-road driving experience up for grabs if you spend a minute answering our safety survey. Click the panel on the right to take part.

Ralph Morton - editor

HEADLINE NEWS

Ford Fiesta: why it’s our best supermini

The Ford Fiesta has just been named Car of the Year by What Car?. But what’s it like for business? Auto Express tester Sam Hardy finds out.

ALSO IN THE NEWS

New Jag goes up in power, down in tax…

The glorious Jaguar XF has a new high-power twin turbo diesel engine. But that doesn’t mean more expense: the new Jag will cost less in company car tax. Read why.

…and Mercedes reduces C-Class tax bill, too

Jaguar isn’t the only one reducing company car tax. Mercedes’ C180 business car has a new low emission engine for a £370 yearly tax saving. Find out more.

Alfa’s new AlfaSud – the sporty MiTo

We’ve had to wait a long time for a ’Sud replacement. But it’s here now – the dramatic new Alfa Romeo MiTo. Italian sporting bravura is yours from £10,745.

ROAD TESTS

Road test: VW Scirocco – the coupe king

The Scirocco is back delivering what it always did best: coupe sports thrills at a good value price. Sensible VW practicality is standard, too, says Ralph Morton.

ADVICE CENTRE

Are you ready for the new VED rates?

From April your motoring costs go up – unless you drive a low-emission car. The government is introducing its new 13-band road tax system. How much will you pay?

Business Car Manager Ltd, 95 Station Road, Hampton, Middx TW12 2BD. Registered as a company in England and Wales 5581943; a member of the Federation of Small Businesses; a member of Merton Chamber of Commerce; and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.