All-New Mazda3 Extends Popularity Of Brand With Fleets
Published: 18th August 2004
Mazda3
The all-new Mazda3 range is finding its way on to fleet choice lists as the popularity of Mazda models escalates. The Mazda3 line-up gives fleets a choice of fuel-efficient 1.4, 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol engines or a frugal 1.6-litre 109ps diesel powerplant.
In the first seven months of 2004, Mazda fleet sales in the UK reached a record 8,344 units - a whopping 43.3 per cent increase on the same period last year. This success is largely due to the ever-increasing fleet popularity of Mazda6, demand from company car user-choosers for the Mazda RX-8 and the unstoppable success of the Mazda MX-5.
Mazda3's success with fleets gives the fast-growing Japanese marque a range of cars that fits many fleet choice lists, allowing company car drivers the chance to move away from the traditional humdrum mix of company cars.
According to an industry survey of data supplied by 20 of the UK's leading contract hire and leasing companies, Mazda has a 2.3 per cent share of sector business this year. Forward contract hire and leasing company orders signal a 2.9 per cent market share as Mazda3 business looks set to propel the brand into the top 10 of fleet manufacturers.
Mazda fleet and remarketing director David McGonigle said: ‘We are currently the 12th most popular brand, according to orders placed by contract hire and leasing companies, ahead of Citroën, Volvo and Jaguar. I believe the forward momentum will continue and we will overtake both Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. That will make Mazda a top 10 player in fleet.
"Mazda6 has been an immense force in opening fleet doors for the brand. Sporty driver appeal, excellent reliability, value for money – from both benefit-in-kind and wholelife cost perspectives – and class-leading residual values have resulted in significant business gain."
Mazda Mazda3
Our Mazda Mazda3 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Mazda3 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £11,440 - £19,495
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 12
We have road tested the Mazda Mazda3, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda Mazda3 Review - May 2005
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Aug 2004
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Jun 2007
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Aug 2007
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Aug 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 6th July 2008
