Audi UK forecasts that new tax rules would generate around 2,000 extra corporate car sales for the company this year.

Stephen Butt, head of corporate sales, said: “Changes in benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation are viewed as a long way ahead by some drivers, but we're dealing with many enquiries. A lot of company motorists are now interested in finding out about the most efficient cars and we're confident our corporate sales will top the 20,000 mark this year.

“The increase in interest has led us to review the mix of the cars we sell and allow for the greater take-up in models with diesel engines. We're also pretty sure there will be a swing to sub 2-litre models in the executive sector.

“The conversations we're having with customers also makes us think many of the 1.8-litre cars we sell next year will be ordered with options like leather trim and satellite navigation systems. Drivers will downsize to use their allowances on luxury items.”

Mr Butt claimed that traditional automatic transmission systems would fall victim to the BIK changes.

Audi's new multitronic unit would not have the same tax penalty as traditional automatics.