Based on the key three-year/60,000-mile benchmark, average residual values across the entire Mazda range have increased in the last two months (December 2013 and January 2014) compared with November 2013 forecasts.

The move has been led by the SKYACTIV-powered low-emission Mazda CX-5 compact SUV range, which has seen average residuals value leap eight percentage points from 38% to 46%.

This month also sees the arrival of the new Mazda3 with SKYACTIV technology and the two body style –hatchback and Fastback (saloon) – range leads the lower-medium sector in terms of average forecasted pound note depreciation, beating all rivals including the Volkswagen Golf.

Meanwhile, the Mazda6, which was launched 12 months ago, and the Mazda5 have experienced an average three percentage point uplift, whilst the Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2 each received an average across the range two percentage point rise at three years/60,000 miles.

Mazda head of fleet Steve Tomlinson said: ‘The residual value uplift across the Mazda range means that our cars make even more financial sense for fleets.

‘Mazda models have always been amongst the best in the residual value stakes in each market sector and this latest increase strengthens the financial argument in favour of our cars.’

Mazda's fleet sales have increased by 84% in the first eight months (April-December) of the company's 2013/14 financial year versus 2012/13 figures and this month's launch of the new Mazda3 is expected to further boost corporate demand.

Tomlinson added: ‘Whole-life costs are critical in company car decision-making and depreciation accounts for a key part of that equation. An increasing number of fleet managers know they can save money by choosing Mazda and we anticipate more corporates turning to the all-new Mazda3, Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 in 2014 as well as other models in the range.’