Top-Notch Residual Values Keep Mazda6 Top Of The Company Car Class
Published: 11th June 2005
Mazda6
Fleets choosing the Mazda6 - the model that single-handedly put the Japanese marque on the company car map - continue to save themselves hundreds of pounds in depreciation costs.
As the model nears its third birthday, the upper medium sector saloon remains the cost-effective choice for fleets in the residual value stakes, according to used car value experts at EurotaxGlass’s.
Over the industry benchmark of three years/60,000 miles the Mazda6, which was largely responsible for transforming the company into Britain’s fastest growing major fleet manufacturer in 2004 with corporate business up more than 50 per cent on the previous year, easily outperforms a host of competitors from a wide range of volume marques.
The Mazda6’s attributes have been recognised with more than 80 global automotive awards to date – many from the fleet press, including Fleet News and Fleet World – and this year the model continues to account for approximately a third of total Mazda sales.
Although a model facelift is due later this year Alan Cole, editorial consultant at EurotaxGlass’s Market Intelligence Service, believes the move will only strengthen Mazda’s grip over rivals such as the Citroën C5, Nissan Primera, Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna, Toyota Avensis, Vauxhall Vectra and Volkswagen Passat.
Reviewing residual value comparisons across petrol and diesel models Mr Cole said: "The Mazda6 competes very well in all categories and the imminent upgrade will refresh its competitiveness. Despite its lifecycle age, residual values stack up well against the likes of the Avensis and Passat. Mazda6 is perhaps the archetypal fleet user-chooser car as it offers something different from the mainstream competitors such as 407, Laguna and Vectra."
For example, the entry-level Mazda6 1.8 S five-door with a P11D value of £13,717 will retain £5,017/37 per cent of its value over three years/60,000 miles, while the TS version (P11D value: £14,717) will retain £5,343/36 per cent of its value.
That compares with the likes of the Nissan Primera 1.8 S five-door, which will ‘lose’ a whopping £10,481 over a three-year/60,000-mile replacement cycle – £1,781 more than the entry-level Mazda. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 S, which, while having a higher residual value at 40 per cent will, in fact, cost fleets £738 more in depreciation than the equivalent Mazda6.
Meanwhile, the Mazda6 2.0 TS five-door with a P11D value of £15,202 will retain £5,533/36 per cent of its value over the benchmark period thus ‘costing’ fleets £9,669. That represents a remarkable £2,143 saving over the rival Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 Direct Life five-door, a £1,990 saving over the Renault Laguna 2.0 16v Expression and an £842 saving over the Peugeot 407 2.0 SE.
Turning to the diesel segment and residual values are equally solid with, for example, the Mazda6 2.0 TS retaining £5,984/38 per cent of its £15,807 P11D value. That means rivals such as the more expensive Citroën C5 1.6 HDi 16v VTR will ‘lose’ almost £1,800 more over a typical replacement cycle, while the Nissan Primera 2.2 dCi S and Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi Expression will depreciate by an incredible £1,300 more than the Japanese contender.
Mazda fleet and remarketing director Adam Pumfrey said: "A combination of very competitive list prices and strong residual values means the Mazda6 is an enticing package for fleets and company car drivers alike. Crucially, it means that fleets which choose the Mazda6 are losing significantly less money than fleets which opt for rival products.
"The Mazda6 continues to epitomise the Mazda brand, with its sports styling and exhilarating dynamics. Added to practicality and value that is unrivalled in the upper medium sector it is the cost-effective choice for cost-conscious fleet operators.
"Strong residual values, which contribute to reduced wholelife costs, are key to winning the hearts, minds and financial backing of fleets and private buyers alike. The latest data from EurotaxGlass’s shows that after almost three years the Mazda6 dwarfs many rivals in terms of residual values."
Standard equipment across the Mazda6 range includes air conditioning or climate control, front and side airbags and ABS brakes.
To read our in depth road test of the Mazda6 [ click here ]
Mazda Mazda6
Our Mazda Mazda6 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Mazda6 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £15,110 - £22,030
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 21
We have road tested the Mazda Mazda6, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Jun 2006
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Feb 2005
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Apr 2004
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
