Mazda Diesels Are The Choice For Gas Safety Watchdog
Published: 3rd September 2004
Mazda3
Following an extensive fleet policy review CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) has replaced its previous sole supply contract for its 180-strong car fleet with a triple-badge policy.
The recently launched Mazda3 diesel and the award-winning Mazda6 diesel are now on the CORGI vehicle choice list alongside models from Honda and Skoda following the ending of the Citroen-only policy.
The all-diesel fleet, which is operated on a four-year/85,000-mile replacement cycle, will continue to be contract hired through Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions. CORGI inspectors, who investigate gas safety related complaints from the public and inspect gas installations across the UK, managers and directors will drive the vehicles.
Company secretary Phillippa Caine, who is in charge of the fleet policy, said: "Mazda is a refreshing brand, which is establishing itself as a serious fleet player and has brought something new to the company car sector.
"Mazda cars have a history of excellent reliability which is crucial for our inspectors. Every time a vehicle is off the road they are unable to carry out their work and that can have a major impact on gas safety."
Needless to say CORGI’s fleet policy is heavily influenced by safety features on vehicles and Phillippa said both the Mazda3 and Mazda6 were impressive with standard equipment including ABS and an array of standard airbags meeting fleet policy requirements.
Mazda fleet and remarketing director David McGonigle said: "Being selected by CORGI as one of three vehicle suppliers ahead of more established fleet players is a tremendous coup for Mazda as we raise our corporate sector profile."
The Mazda3 possesses one of the lower medium segment’s best safety packages with anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters, and collapsible steering column and brake pedal.
The Mazda3 is powered by a 1.6-litre 109ps diesel engine with a tax-efficient Euro-IV unit to be launched shortly.
Meanwhile, the Mazda6, which is available with a choice of Euro-IV 2.0-litre engines producing 121ps or 136ps, has a comprehensive range of passive and active safety technology including dual-stage airbags as part of a system of up to six airbags, plus a new crushable pedal design and ABS with EBD as standard across the range.
The responsibilities of Basingstoke-based CORGI extend to include Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Isles. Registration with CORGI is a legal requirement for businesses and self-employed people working on gas fittings or appliances. Around 44,000 gas installation businesses employing approximately 95,000 gas-fitting operatives are currently registered.
To read our in depth road test of the Mazda3 [ click here ]
To read our in depth road test of the Mazda6 [ click here ]
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 - Jun 2008
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 21st Sep 2008
