Volkswagen and Audi are proving to be the most popular marques, according to the most recent results from comparecontracthire.com.

The comparison website reveals that more people have completed a request for more information on the Audi A3 diesel Sportback than any other model so far this year, with VW and Audi occupying seven out of the 10 top searches.

However, the Mazda6, which is placed ninth in the overall listings, proved to be the most popular model in August beating the VW Golf into second place.

“Overall, more than 25% of all contact lead forms filled out to date on the site are for German brands - Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes and BMW,” explained Robert Wastell, director of comparecontracthire.com.

These figures were also reflected for SME fleets running an average of seven vehicles, which Wastell puts down to an obvious attraction to the premium brands.“If you run a small fleet of cars or if you are a sole trader, many aspire to drive a premium brand,” added Wastell. “It is your business and you can usually decide what you want, provided you can afford it.”

But, good business sense may well behind German models dominating comparecontracthire.com’s most popular listings.

“All of these marques have a strong residual value, hence why they are probably more popular, as well as the rentals being more competitive to other brands that have a lower residual value,” concluded Wastell.

“However, the site does provide leads for all manufacturers as for many small businesses the cost of rental is more important than what car they are driving.”

Comparecontracthire.com’s top ten so far in 2009

Audi A3 Diesel Sportback
Volkswagen Scirocco Coupe
Volkswagen Scirocco Diesel Coupe
Audi A4 Diesel Saloon
Volkswagen Golf Diesel Hatchback
BMW 1 Series Diesel Hatchback
Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
Audi A3 Diesel Hatchback
Mazda Mazda6 Diesel Hatchback
Honda Civic Diesel Hatchback

Comparecontracthire.com’s most popular models in August

Mazda Mazda6 Diesel Hatchback
Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
Audi A3 Diesel Sportback
Volkswagen Scirocco Diesel Coupe
BMW 1 Series Diesel Coupe
BMW 1 Series Diesel Hatchback
Fiat 500 Hatchback
Vauxhall Insignia Diesel Hatchback