The Mazda6 was the car that put the brand on the fleet map almost a decade ago, and the new 19-strong range featuring refreshed exterior and interior styling, additional equipment and a range of significant technical enhancements that improve fuel economy by up to 6.4% and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 6.1% is expected to win more converts, particularly from the premium end of the segment.

In the 12 months to 31 March 2011, Mazda expects to sell more than 10,500 Mazda6 models of which about 7,600 (72%) are predicted to be fleet sales – approximately 1,500 more than in Mazda's current fiscal year.

'With its well-positioned list price and lower rates of depreciation, I expect the upgraded Mazda6 to retain its fleet leadership position and the model to provide a springboard for further growth as it appeals to more company car drivers,' said Peter Allibon, fleet and remarketing director, Mazda UK.

Mr Allibon anticipates that user-chooser company car drivers will continue to be attracted to higher-specified models. Meanwhile, essential "job need" drivers and eco-conscious drivers are expected to gravitate towards the 2.2D 129PS in TS trim.

"Many company car choice lists are imposing a sub 140g/km cap on some grades of drivers so we expect there to be significant demand for the 129PS diesel. That model will also prove attractive to employees who opt into new salary sacrifice schemes being offered by an increasing number of employers. I expect diesel models to account for about 90% of core end-user fleet sales,' he added.

Meanwhile, April 2010 data from CAP reveals that the upgraded model will benefit from continuing strong residual values and that it will retain up to 35% of its value at three years/60,000 miles (2.2D 180PS Sport 5dr and three estate models – 2.2D 163 TS, 2.2D 163PS TS2 and 2.2D 180PS Sport).

Jeff Knight, forecast manager at CAP, said: 'The Mazda6 has achieved first-class residual values throughout its history and that is unlikely to change with the latest version.'