Drivers who have done their homework on CO2 emissions before choosing their next company car are already reporting a reduction in their Benefit in Kind tax bills according to Benchmark Leasing.

The company, which specialises in providing company cars to small-to-medium-sized fleets is getting reports back from 80 per cent of its drivers saying they are actually financially better off after the tax changes.

The cars generating the most interest amongst its drivers were predominantly diesel cars from Volkswagen and Audi including the Golf 130bhp diesel and the Audi A4 powered by the same engine.

"Those drivers that spent time researching the most cost effective company car options based on the new CO2-based car tax rules are already better off," said Benchmark Leasing director Tony Flood.

"Many who received their first payslips after the April 5 tax changes kicked in saw an immediate reduction in the tax paid on their company car. "The majority of drivers have also opted out of receiving private fuel, so many are hundreds of pounds better off each month," he added.