TRANSFORMATION: Mazda3 aims for fleets
Class-leading performance, fuel economy and emissions are expected to propel the all-new Mazda3 to the top of the lower medium company car sector.
Businesses and drivers can enjoy tax savings on both the hatchback and fastback saloon versions, which feature the breakthrough SKYACTIV technology.
A choice of three highly-efficient SKYACTIV-G petrol engines and one SKYACTIV-D diesel engine are available, each with CO2 emissions from 104g/km.
All can be twinned with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions, offering fleets a wide model choice across SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim levels.
Arrival of the 36-strong model range heralds the debut of two new SKYACTIV engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.5litre 100PS and the 2.0litre 120PS.
The 1.5litre engine delivers up to 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and emissions from 119gkm, while the 2.0litre 120PS offers up to 55.4mpg and emissions from 119g/km.
More efficient powerplants already established in the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6 are introduced, in the form of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0litre 165PS and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2litre 150PS.
Prices start at £16,695 for the Mazda3 hatchback, while the fastback version starts at £19,245.
The range goes on sale in January 2014.
Steve Tomlinson, Head of Fleet at Mazda, said: “A class-leading combination of performance, CO2 emissions and fuel economy, means that the all-new Mazda3 gives fleet managers and company car drivers a real alternative to the traditional in both the C and C/D segments.
“The introduction of SKYACTIV technology in both the Mazda CX-5 and new Mazda6 within the past 12months has helped to increase Mazda’s penetration in the fleet sector and the arrival of the all-new Mazda3 with similar benefits will further enhance our fleet proposition.
“The all-new Mazda3 fastback with CO2 emissions of 104g/km, fuel economy of 72.4mpg and priced from £19,245 establishes a new performance threshold.
“Additionally, with a benefit-in-kind tax rate of just 15% in 2014, the significantly lower list price means major savings for both businesses and company car drivers.
“The all-new SKYACTIV Mazda3 alongside the new Mazda6 and Mazda CX‑5, both of which already benefit from SKYACTIV technology, gives Mazda a significant three-model presence in the fleet sector.
“Both new Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 are delivering new corporate sales opportunities for Mazda as businesses look to reduce operating costs and tax bills.
“Additionally, the sporty design, quality interior and performance coupled with benefit-in-kind tax bill savings versus the opposition appeal strongly to company car drivers.
“The all-new Mazda3 has similar attributes and offers identical cash saving advantages, while also being a major step-forward for Mazda in terms of delivering opportunities in the most competitive sectors of the company car market.”
