Cost-Conscious Mazda Wins Plaudits that Cash-Focused Fleets and Company Car Drivers Should Follow

DARTFORD, United Kingdom – February 23, 2009: Cost management is the number one priority for recession-hit businesses and two of Mazda’s best‑selling models have been highlighted by a leading consumer magazine as the ideal cars for cost-conscious motorists. Company car favourites the Mazda6 and Mazda MX-5 are highlighted in the latest Which? Car magazine as the financially astute downsizing option that could save fleets thousands of pounds.

Downsizing continues to be a growing trend within the corporate sector as public and private sector fleets and company car drivers seek out low emission, value-for-money models that deliver class‑leading wholelife costs and wallet-friendly business and personal tax bills.

Both the Mazda6 and MX-5 have long established reputations for delivering low-cost motoring and survey-winning vehicle reliability. Now, Which? Car magazine highlights both models as winners for motorists considering downsizing, particularly from gas-guzzling models such as 4x4s.

The publication also highlighted the Mazda6 Estate as another alternative to a 4x4 saying it was ‘better to drive and cheaper to run’. For high-mileage drivers, the publication highlights the recently launched Mazda6 2.2-litre Diesel 163ps TS2 five-door hatch, which costs £18,639 on‑the‑road as the ‘value’ alternative to the ‘pricey’ BMW 3-series 320d SE four-door saloon, which costs £26,680.

Commenting on the Mazda’s credentials, the publication says: “It’s much cheaper to run and is packed with gadgets that are optional on the pricey BMW.”

It’s a view shared by vehicle valuation experts at CAP Motor Research. They calculate that after the fleet benchmark period of three-years/60,000 miles the Mazda model will retain 38% of its value thus depreciating by £11,539. That contrasts with the BMW, which is predicted to retain only 37% of its value and will ‘lose’ a whopping £16,605 over the same period. Pence per mile figures over the replacement cycle also put the Mazda ahead at 29.15p compared with the BMW’s 35.97p.

Meanwhile, Mazda MX-5, which recorded a ‘remarkable’ 97% owner satisfaction score in the latest Which? Car survey is billed as the value for money alternative to the BMW Z4.

The publication highlights Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0i Sport, which costs £20,657 on-the-road as the money-saving alternative to the BMW Z4 30i sDrive two-door convertible, which carries a £32,660 price tag. Once again, CAP is inclined to agree with the Mazda MX-5 depreciating by £14,592 over three years/60,000 miles in contrast with the BMW ‘losing’ £18,695.

Finally, comparing the £19,324 Mazda6 Estate 2.2-litre 163ps Diesel TS2 with the £39,061 Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7TD V6 SE the Japanese marque triumphs again, according to CAP. The Mazda6 Estate will retain 38% of its value after three-years/60,000 miles compared with 25% for the 4x4 with pence per mile costs of 29.88p versus 64.8p.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: “A combination of performance, style and superb wholelife costs have made Mazda’s model range a fleet favourite since we launched into the corporate market with the Mazda6.

“Downsizing may be the trend among both fleets and private buyers as the focus on cost management increases, but company car drivers that opt for a Mazda model will not be forgoing quality or specification.

“Since launching into the fleet market seven years ago hundreds of fleets and thousands of company car drivers have discovered Mazda and the economic downturn plays to the cost-effective strengths of the brand.”