Mazda3 Residual Values To Upset Diesel Fleet Hierarchy

For fleets operating vehicles over a four-year/80,000 miles replacement cycle Eurotax Glass’s residual value predictions for the Mazda3 1.6 S are equally impressive, as it will retain 27 per cent of its value meaning it will ‘lose’ £9,587. In ‘cash lost’ terms that puts the new model ahead of established rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic and Renault Mégane.

Move up a trim level to the Mazda3 1.6-litre TS hatchback and at four years/80,000 miles the model outperforms the rival Volkswagen Golf 1.9-litre TDI SE in terms of price, power, residual value forecast – losing £10,710 against £10,913 – and CO2 emissions. Mazda fleet and remarketing director David McGonigle said: ‘Mazda3 diesel models are being launched at a crucial time with fleet diesel sales rocketing and Mazda sales continuing to ‘zoom zoom’ ahead.

‘Mazda has been hugely successful in establishing itself in the fleet sector through a fast-growing reputation for innovative styling, high levels of build quality, excellent reliability and low operating costs. The Mazda3 diesels continue that trend and the residual value projections show that they are excellent value-for-money models with residual value savings to be made against more established opposition.’

Jason King, forecasting editor – cars at Eurotax Glass’s, said: ‘The Mazda3 is a significant move forward in terms of handling, build quality and styling when compared with the 323 which it replaces. The Mazda3 diesel gives the brand a real opportunity to continue the good news story that Mazda6 started. Fleet buyers can choose from plenty of very capable vehicles in this sector, yet the Mazda3 provides them with something different from the mainstream.’

Initially launched with a Euro III engine, the range will see a Euro IV engine introduced late in 2004. In addition TS2 and Sport versions will also appear later in the year. Sales of the Mazda3 range are expected to total 10,000 units this year with around a fifth of volume expected to be diesel.

The Mazda3 features a sporty exterior, dynamic performance, a focus on safety, a roomy interior and a standard specification to rival the best in the C-segment that will appeal to fleets and user-choosers alike.

For example standard specification includes ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, front and side airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters and collapsible steering column and brake pedal and alloy wheels.

Sample residual value forecasts (three years/60,000 miles)

Model	P11D Value*	RV	Depreciation	Mazda saving
Mazda3 1.6D S 5dr	£13,197	£4,858/37%	£8,339	-
Astra 1.7CDTi Envoy	£13,267	£4,352/33%	£8,915	£576
Civic 1.7CTDi SE	£13,860	£5,328/38%	£8,532	£193
Golf 1.9 TDI S 5dr	£14,942	£6,465/43%	£8,477	£138
Megane 1.5dCi Exp	£13,310	£4,862/36%	£8,448	£109
Mazda3 1.6D TS 5dr	£14,647	£5,298/36%	£9,349	-
Astra 1.7CDTi LS	£14,267	£4,390/31%	£9,877	£528

Sample residual value forecasts (four years/80,000 miles)

Model	P11D Value*	RV	Depreciation	Mazda saving
Mazda3 1.6D S 5dr	£13,197	£3,610/27%	£9,587	-
Golf 1.9 TDI S 5dr	£14,942	£4,803/32%	£10,139	£552
Astra 1.7CDTi Envoy	£13,267	£3,229/24%	£10,038	£451
Civic 1.7CTDi SE	£13,860	£3,959/28%	£9,901	£314
Megane 1.5dCi Exp	£13,310	£3,612/27%	£9,698	£111
Mazda3 1.6D TS 5dr	£14,647	£3,937/27%	£10,710	-
Astra 1.7CDTi LS	£14,267	£3,261/23%	£11,006	£296
Golf 1.9 TDI SE	£16,027	£5,114/32%	£10,913

*P11D value used to calculate benefit-in-kind tax excludes VED and £38 first registration fee. Source: Eurotax Glass’s.

For more information about the Mazda3 model range [ click here ]