Mazda6 2.2 D first choice for cost-conscious fleet operators

Businesses taking delivery of the all-new Mazda6 2.2-litre diesel, which is on sale this month, will be making the value-for-money choice with strong used car prices predicted putting the car into premium badge territory when compared with key rivals. January 2009 data from used car valuation experts at CAP Motor Research reveals that at the fleet benchmark period of three years/60,000 miles the model will be worth up to 39% of its cost new.

This data puts the model ahead of other new arrivals such as the Toyota Avensis and the Vauxhall Insignia and comfortably ahead of the likes of the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna and Volkswagen Passat in the residual value stakes. Amid the economic gloom, cost management is top of the fleet agenda and company car decision?makers can save money by ensuring the 2.2-litre diesel, available in 125ps, 163ps and 185ps power outputs, has a place on vehicle choice lists.

Available across the Mazda6 range the 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces the established 2.0-litre diesel engine and will sit alongside the three petrol engines with 120ps, 147ps and 170ps outputs. Not only will the new 2.2 diesel models provide residual value savings in comparison with key rivals, but the engine technology delivers improved performance when compared with the previous 2.0 diesel Mazda6 engine, but similar fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions. On the combined cycle, the new Mazda6 diesel returns between 51.4mpg and 49.6mpg, with CO2 figures of just 147g/km to 152g/km (depending on model).

All saloon and hatchback models with CO2 emissions of 147g/km and 149g/km place these cars in a highly competitive band C for vehicle excise duty whilst maintaining the same company car tax bands as the previous 2.0-litre diesel variants. The range-topping Estate Sport 185ps and Sport Luxury 185ps have CO2 emissions of 152g/km.

Newly appointed Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: “In its previous 140ps form, our diesel Mazda6 out-performed many potential rivals, particularly their entry and mid-level derivatives, and its reduced CO2 emissions delivered real financial benefits to company car drivers. Now we have taken another big step forwards with the 2.2?litre diesel.

“Our mid-power 163ps diesel, with 16 percent more power, offers an amazing performance?per?pound package, significantly out-pacing rivals. All three diesel engines are emissions clean with modest CO2 ratings, excellent fuel efficiency and genuine refinement.”

With the revised new Mazda6 line-up, the manufacturer anticipates growing its share of the large family/business car segment sales in 2009 and that aim will be further boosted with CAP predicting that the 2.2 diesel will retain 35 per cent to 39 per cent of its value at three-year/60,000 miles.

The 2.2 TS 125ps five-door with a new price (P11d value) of £16,673 is aimed squarely at the heart of the UK fleet market. CAP predicts that at the benchmark period it will retain 38 percent of its value and be worth £6,350. Meanwhile, the £17,289 TS 163ps will be worth £6,625 retaining 38 percent of its value. Mazda has retained the £700 price premium differential on estate models and the TS 163ps and TS2 163ps will each retain 39% of their value with the Sport 185ps and SL 185ps 38 per cent and 37 per cent of their value respectively, according to CAP.

Mr Allibon said: “CAP’s residual value predictions clearly mean that used car experts have confidence in both the brand and our new diesel model. With models retaining up to 39 per cent of cost new, the Mazda6 is ahead of many of its rivals including the new Avensis and Insignia and on a par with the Honda Accord. However, take into account the very competitive pricing of our new car and its specification and, in Pound note terms, is fantastic value for money.”

Jeff Knight, forecast manager for CAP, said: “The Mazda6 has established itself as a solid and reliable model in the company car upper medium sector. The new 2.2 diesel model will consolidate the car’s position as a well specified, stylish and reliable option for user choosers.”