Is it possible for petrol cars to have a more advantageous BiK than its diesel cousin? It is!

The tax authority considers a lease car made available by the employer that may be used for private purposes as additional professional income. As a result, you are also taxed more based on an estimated flat-rate on this Benefit in Kind. The level of taxation is contingent on the car’s list price (including options and VAT), its age and its CO₂ emissions.

As far as a diesel car’s emissions are concerned, these predominately remain the more advantageous option compared to the petrol equivalent, but the BiK is definitely not consistently more favourable. Alphabet compared the figures. The analysis took place based on the 2017 BiK, although there is little difference to that of 2018. The minimum amount remains EUR 1,280, but this year you will pay a few euros more per month for a diesel vehicle. There are no changes to the calculation ratio for other types of fuel. The comparison is based on 30,000 kilometres driven per year and a contract period of four years.

For the nine models below, the petrol version appears to be the budget-friendly option.

Citroën C3 Aircross

If you opt for the compact SUV of this French make, then the BiK is relatively positive, due to the small, clean power plant. For a petrol version the tax authority calculates an average of EUR 108.50, and EUR 121 per month for a diesel motor.

Dacia Sandero

Diesel or petrol? In the case of the Dacia Sandero it doesn’t really matter which fuel type you opt for. For each version you pay the minimum annual BiK of EUR 1,280, or EUR 106.67 each month.

Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport recently underwent an update, including, among others, a new diesel version. For the diesel you pay a BiK of EUR 153, compared to EUR 122.83 for the petrol version.

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai’s compact SUV, selling well in Belgium and belonging to the top-sellers of its segment, can be more advantageous as a petrol version. The petrol range comes out at an average BiK of EUR 228.25, compared to the diesel’s EUR 313.08. The slightly higher CO₂ emissions of the most powerful diesels are what elevate the average.

Mercedes CLA class

The Mercedes’ four-door coupé appears cheaper in its petrol versions as far as BiK is concerned, at least for those with a horsepower scaling between 150 and 169. Count on an average of EUR 192.33 for a petrol and EUR 235 for the diesel alternative.

Renault Scénic

The new Renault Scénic, as far as style is concerned, lies somewhere between a crossover and an MPV. For families, this is a compelling option. On average the BiK amounts to EUR 143.92 for a petrol version and EUR 184.17 for a diesel.

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is one of the most popular company cars, especially for the 1.6 TDI diesel motor version. However, with respect to BiK it is not always the best option. Within the performance fork of between 110 to 129 horsepower (EUR 121.24 for petrol or EUR 136.66 for diesel) and 150 to 169 horsepower (EUR 125.84 compared to EUR 178.20), the petrol versions end up with a lower BiK. It’s only when you opt for a more powerful engine (170-189 horsepower) that diesel comes out being cheaper (EUR 249.43 compared to EUR 237.22).

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

The BMW petrol range scores excellently in general as regards CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption. Look, for example, at the 2 Series Active Tourer. For every horsepower segment in the analysis, the petrol version had a lower BiK than the diesel. For example, EUR 140.90 instead of EUR 147.25 for 90 to 109 horsepower. For the larger Gran Tourer, the exact same phenomenon presented itself.

MINI 3-Door Hatch

For the MINI, petrol and diesel versions find themselves more closely aligned. If you opt for limited engine power (90 to 109 horsepower), then both achieve a minimum BiK (EUR 1,280 annually or EUR 106.67 per month). For 150 to 169 horsepower, the petrol once again has a slight advantage (EUR 164.80 compared to EUR 172.18).