Audi is the most popular small fleet brand, according to a survey by comparecontracthire.com, which logged the car purchases of small fleets for two months.

Audi was easily the most sought-after brand, with the four-door A4 2.0 D topping the list. Second was BMW with its 320D. Low emissions and brand credibility were the main reasons for the car's success.

Mazda's 6 makes an appearance at number three with VW's Golf the fourth most popular car and Volvo's V50 completing the list.

For all five cars the most popular option was the 2.0 litre diesel model. Despite being more expensive, the improved fuel consumption of diesel makes it a small fleet favourite ahead of petrol.

"Small businesses want something that gives them status," says Robert Wastell, managing director of comparecontracthire.com, "but the popularity of diesel shows that they obviously have costs in mind when choosing a company car."

Companies were found to opt for a mix of prestige, practicality and price when buying a car for their business.