A recap and review from Car Schemes Manager, Ryan Noble.
I just wrapped up my time at UTAC Millbrook for Company Car in Action (CCIA) 2026. While the British summer weather was absolutely appalling, the torrential downpours actually provided the perfect backdrop to put the latest models to the test.
Heavy rain on the alpine circuits and high-speed bowls left nowhere for these cars to hide, creating the perfect test for their handling and battery tech. We might have paused briefly to tackle some brilliant but messy bratwurst, but the real story of the day was how flawlessly these new EVs conquered the elements.
Here is our definitive breakdown of the cars that truly conquered the storm.
With hundreds of new models on display this year, standing out requires a mix of driving dynamics, cabin refinement, and bottom-line value. These three models left the biggest impressions on the tracks:
| Category | Winner | The Fleet Breakdown |
| Favourite Car of the Day | BYD Seal | Sleek, sharp, and incredibly well-handling. Even when the tracks were at their slickest, this car felt completely stable and genuinely exciting to drive. For drivers wanting a dynamic alternative to the usual saloon suspects, this is a major contender. |
| Most Comfortable | Volvo ES90 | If you have drivers racking up serious motorway mileage, this is the new gold standard. It effortlessly isolated the cabin from the rain, winds and road noise outside. It felt less like a company car and more like a comfortable living room, with plenty of room. |
| Best Bang for Your Buck | Smart #5 | The absolute surprise hit of the show. It was the cheapest EV on our shortlist, but it punches well above its weight class. It combines highly competitive fleet pricing with impressive real-world specs, a distinct character, and great packaging. |
Dry track days are great, but evaluating fleet cars in a massive downpour tells you exactly what a vehicle will be like during a winter commute. The rapid evolution of the market was on full display this year.
The Smart #5 in particular isn’t just a smart financial decision on paper; it’s a car drivers actually want to drive. In fact, it’s already locked in as my top choice for my next vehicle.
