THE most reliable company car in the UK is the BMW 3 Series, according to a survey of the 50 largest contract hire and leasing firms.

And in dominating the top 10 most reliable cars chart, the German brand also has its 5 Series and 1 Series models named sixth and seventh in the list.

Companies in the FN50 are surveyed each year and ranked according to fleet size and asked to name their most reliable vehicles.

Those responding to the car reliability survey have combined fleet sizes numbering more than 585,000, while those providing information for the car manufacturer element have a total car park of more than 484,000.

In proving its reliability, the BMW 3 Series was also lauded with the title Used Car of the Year at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards 2013 and Executive and Luxury Used Car of the Year at the What Car? Used Car awards 2013.

What Car? chief Chas Hallett said: "The BMW 320d SE wins the Executive and Luxury used car category as it outshines many more expensive cars in virtually every element with its remarkable blend of refinement, cabin quality, comfort and running costs.

"It really does set a benchmark for how a compact executive car should handle."

Meanwhile, the electric BMW i3 is attracting more attention as its awards haul continues to grow.

BMW UK was awarded the gong for Innovation in Car and Van Manufacturing at the 2013 Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero awards 2013 for the design and productions of the i3.

Commended for achieving a step-change in electric vehicle design, as well as the innovative production methods that have helped reduce emissions from the manufacturing process, the i3 has helped revolutionise the electric car market.

The Fleet Hero Awards identify public and private sector organisations that are successfully reducing fuel bills and cutting carbon emissions through better transport policies and improved fleet efficiency.

The Energy Saving Trust also recognises businesses that supply cost and fuel saving products or services to fleets.

Following its success at the Fleet Hero awards the i3, launched in November, was also named winner of the supermini category at the Next Green Car awards 2013.