When the upgraded Mazda3 range hits the streets early next year there will be 16 standard models with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines in three power outputs, and for the first time the line-up includes a 1.6 Sport Diesel which the Japanese company believes will find favour both with the fleets and company car drivers.
Combined CO 2 emissions cut by up to 3.5 per cent depending on model, alongside improvements in fuel consumption, mean reduced petrol and diesel bills and savings in benefit-in-kind tax for company car drivers. For fleet operators this means lower Vehicle Excise Duty and National Insurance payments.
The 1.6 Sport Diesel and 1.6 Sport Nav Diesel have been given a 30 per cent residual value at three years/60,000 miles by industry analysts CAP.
The models offer competitive CO 2 emissions of 115g/km, combined cycle fuel economy of 65.7mpg and a specification that includes a Bose audio system, heated sports seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and side skirts, and the CO 2 figure means that the new models fall within the lowest company car BIK bracket for diesel models 13 per cent - in 2011/12.
Meanwhile, the upgraded Mazda3 2.2 Sport Diesel (150PS) and the 2.2 Sport Nav Diesel (185PS) each drop a company car BIK tax bracket after engineering development work.
The 150PS model now emits 139g/km - reduced from 144g/km - putting the model into the 20 per cent tax bracket in 2011/12, while the 185PS model also benefits from a 5g/km emissions drop to 144g/km putting it in the 21 per cent bracket.
The range offers a choice of six trim levels - S, TS, TS 2 , TS 2 Nav, Sport and Sport Nav - as well as from launch the special edition 1.6 Tamura and 1.6D Tamura.
To arrange a test drive of the Mazda3 or to find out more about the Mazda range, please visit http://www.arnoldclark.com/find-a-dealer for your nearest Arnold Clark Mazda dealership.
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