New Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ model gets RV uplift
Fleets are in for a residual value bonus if they choose the new Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ model, according to latest data from used car experts at CAP.
The 2.2-litre diesel five-door hatchback, which is available to order now, will retain 34 percent of its £18,130 P11D value - on-the-road list price is £18,300 - at the benchmark three-year/60,000-mile threshold, according to CAP. This is 4.5 percentage points above the average for its direct competitor set.
The ‘Business Line’ model has been specifically launched for fleets and is available in one highly specified model with Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation, Bluetooth technology and 17-inch alloy wheels in addition to the standard model specification it shares.
Commenting on the arrival of the new derivative of Mazda’s best-selling range into the UK fleet sector, Jeff Knight, editor of Monitor-Cars, CAP’s residual value guide, said: “Not only has Mazda launched a desirable model for company car drivers, it has succeeded in adding equipment which also has kerb appeal in the future used car market.
“Tangible items of specification such as satellite navigation, larger alloy wheels and increasingly Bluetooth are valued by second buyers hence the improved residual value.”
Other features on the Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ include: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as well as front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control and dual-zone climate control air conditioning.
Emitting 138g/km of CO2, the car sits in the 20 percent benefit-in-kind tax bracket for 2011/12.
The Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ is available in the three most popular colours chosen by company car drivers - Black Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Stormy Blue Mica.
The first deliveries of the car will begin in late summer and Mazda anticipates that it will sell approximately 500 ‘Business Line’ models in the remainder of 2011. Annual sales are expected to total around 1,000 units.
Mazda Fleet and Remarketing Director Steve Jelliss said: “We anticipated a strong residual value for the ‘Business Line’ model and we are delighted that CAP has reached the same conclusion.
“Drivers choosing the new Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ model will pay just £60.43 a month if a basic rate taxpayer or £120.87 a month if a higher rate taxpayer. That represents fantastic value-for-money for a fun-to-drive car with the style, performance and features of our most successful fleet model.
“With the excellent residual value contributing to very competitive contract hire rates for the ‘Business Line’ model, the car offers a compelling proposition compared to its rivals.
“As a result, with this well equipped, fleet focused Mazda6 model, we are anticipating significant incremental sales.”
This is the first time Mazda has introduced a model specifically intended to appeal to company car drivers through a combination of both features and attractive benefit-in-kind rates.
