Mazda RX-8 Outguns Rivals In Residual Value Battle
Published: 31st May 2005
Mazda RX-8
Stunning residual values on the radically-styled and hugely popular Mazda RX-8 are enabling fleet decision-makers to reduce operating costs while ensuring company car drivers get behind the wheel of a head-turning four-seater, four-door sports car.
Eighteen months after its launch and the Mazda RX-8 remains the residual value champion it was at launch as it comprehensively outguns competitors from a raft of premium-badge manufacturers.
Uniquely, the Mazda RX-8 is stealing business from a range of performance derivatives of saloons and coupes from the likes of Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW and Subaru.
As a result the £20,100 Mazda RX-8 pumping out 192ps and the £22,100 derivative producing 231ps are continuing to boost Mazda’s advance in the fleet sector. Total Mazda fleet volumes this year are expected to total about 18,000 units - around a third of total sales - and approximately 2,000 registrations up on last year’s corporate business.
Since launch about 13,000 Mazda RX-8s have been sold and latest figures from residual value experts’ CAP reveal that the 192ps model will retain 46 per cent of its value after three-years/60,000 miles thereby costing fleets just £10,802 in depreciation.
That compares with, for example, the Audi TT Coupe 1.8i, which, while retaining 45 per cent of its new value loses £11,202 over the same period due to its higher list price.
Due to its competitive list price, Mazda RX-8 also fares well against the likes of the BMW 318 ES Ci Coupe, which, while retaining 40 per cent of its value will actually cost fleets £12,462 in depreciation - a whopping £1,660 more than the RX-8. In addition, while the BMW 316i saloon is around £650 cheaper, the desirability of the Mazda means it is given a significantly enhanced residual value by CAP over the German model.
Moving up to the 231ps Mazda RX-8 and the CAP residual value figures are equally compelling with the Mazda retaining 45 per cent of its value at three-years/60,000 miles thereby depreciating by £12,127.
However, compare that to the BMW 320 SE Ci Coupe, which loses £15,452 over the same benchmark operating cycle, or the Audi TT Coupe 1.8T Quattro 225, which loses £15,302 and the Japanese marque is a clear winner.
Mazda’s fleet and remarketing director Adam Pumfrey said: "The Mazda RX-8 carved a new market for family car buyers from launch in 2003 with its flexible four seater, four-door functionality and it continues to change the face of the sports car market in the UK.
"The Mazda RX-8 brings real motoring excitement to everyday family life at a price which competitors cannot match. Given the choice between a standard family saloon or a unique sports car with generous room for children, many company car user-choosers with families are choosing RX-8 to add some excitement to their journeys thanks to the sporty coupe’s unique practicality."
He added: "Fleet decision-makers have seen Mazda increasingly establish itself in the fleet marketplace due to its sporty and stylish cars coupled with the company’s philosophy of offering well-specified models at compelling prices. The desirability of our models, such as the Mazda RX-8, means there is strong used car demand and that is resulting in class-leading residual values that will delight fleet managers."
Designed with both fun and functionality in mind the Mazda RX-8 with its unique rotary engine is an exciting sports car featuring a unique freestyle door system allowing easy access to the rear two seats with comfortable seating for four adults.
Standard equipment on both models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, climate control air conditioning and a BOSE Premium Audio sound system with nine speakers and a six CD auto-changer.
Mazda RX-8
Our Mazda RX-8 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK RX-8 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price : £24,995
Body Style:
Fuel:
Model in the range: 1
We have road tested the Mazda RX-8, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda RX-8 Review - Feb 2005
Mazda RX-8 Review - May 2007
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 21st Sep 2008
