Mazda2 targets public sector fleets

The company car tax-busting all-new Mazda2 has gone on sale with industry-leading residual values that will help the manufacturer conquer the public sector marketplace. The five-door hatchback is now available with a choice of three petrol powertrains and three equipment levels (TS, TS2 and Sport) priced from just £8,499 (on-the-road), which undercuts rivals, while boasting excellent standard equipment that is either optional or not available on those competitor cars.

Utilising the very latest engineering techniques means that the new Mazda2 is lighter than the previous model. This has resulted in a 15 per cent fuel economy improvement and means that all three launch models fall into the lowest 15 per cent company car tax bracket for 2007/08. In addition all three models benefit from being in Vehicle Excise Duty Band C for 2007/08.

November 2007 data from used car valuation experts at CAP Motor Research reveals that after three years/60,000 miles the entry-level 1.3-litre, 75ps Mazda2 TS will retain an unbeatable 40 per cent of its £8,334 list price putting it comfortably ahead of rivals including the Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris.

Move up to the 1.3-litre, 86ps Mazda2 TS2 and, with an unbeatable £9,834 list price among its chief rivals, the model depreciates by a class-leading £6,034 over three years/60,000 miles. That compares with depreciation of £6,302 on the Honda Jazz 1.4 SE and a whopping £8,070 on the significantly more expensive £11,645 Renault Clio 1.4 Dynamique.

Finally, the range-topping £11,634 1.5-litre 103ps Mazda2 Sport will retain 37 per cent of its new price after the benchmark three-years/60,000 miles. With depreciation of only £7,359, the Mazda is significantly better value for fleets than a range of rivals including the Polo, Yaris, Peugeot 207 and Vauxhall Corsa. Both 1.3-litre models return 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and generate a modest 129g/km of CO2, while the 1.5-litre Sport records a commendable 47.9mpg and has a CO2 rating of 140g/km.

Mazda’s national contract hire and rental manager Steve Tomlinson said: “The fantastic residual value predictions for the all-new Mazda2 build on the class-leading RVs our other models have achieved starting with the Mazda6, which put the brand on the fleet map.”

Jeff Knight, forecast manager for CAP, said: “Future used buyers will be attracted by the vibrant exterior styling, good specification and overall running costs in comparison with its competitors.

“The interior quality, fit and finish is as good as some cars costing substantially more. Mazda seem to have put much thought into this small car, which will appeal to current Mazda drivers, but more importantly drivers who have traditionally looked to other marques will for the first time consider a small Mazda. Additionally, Mazda’s policy of maintaining a competitive list price ensures that its contract hire customers will be comfortable with the car’s percentage residual value retention. The Mazda2 is therefore well placed for success in the corporate and used car markets.”

Mazda is confident that the 3,885mm long new Mazda2 will prove to be so popular that its small car sales will triple during 2008 to 12,000 units as the sporty appeal of the new model hikes sales by 300 per cent.

Key to that success will be the all-new Mazda2 gaining significant exposure in the public sector – local authority and NHS Trust fleets – and with driving schools. Mr Tomlinson said: “Contract hire companies and outright purchase fleets have been attracted to the Mazda range in recent years by strong RVs and low wholelife costs and sporty models packed with standard equipment.

“We are bringing those same credentials to the B-segment of the marketplace and we believe that will not only make the Mazda2 attractive to fleet operators, but the lowest possible benefit-in-kind tax rates and fuel efficiency of the new range will appeal to company car drivers. We believe it will become the car of choice in the sector.”

Standard equipment includes: 15-inch steel wheels, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, driver and front passenger airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, driver seat height adjust, CD radio with AUX jack and two speakers, multi-function glovebox with magazine rack, Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser and electric door mirrors.

At the start of 2008, the appeal of new Mazda2 will be further enhanced by the availability of a 65mpg 1.4-litre 68ps diesel model in TS and TS2 trim levels.