The carmaker points to latest data from CAP Automotive reveals that the new SKYACTIV Mazda3 range tops the tables and beats numerous lower-medium sector rivals in terms of average forecasted pound note depreciation including the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Toyota Auris, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.

Meanwhile, the firm says company car drivers seeking to cut their BiK tax bills can make significant savings by choosing the new Mazda3 ahead of higher-priced rivals with higher CO2 emissions including the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30, Toyota Auris, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf.

The residual value and benefit-in-kind tax strengths of the all-new Mazda3 are expected to further increase Mazda fleet sales, which as the company's 2013/14 financial year draws to a close are around 85% up versus 2012/13 figures.

Mazda head of fleet Steve Tomlinson said: ‘All-new Mazda3 delivers fantastic value to fleet managers in terms of cost reduction, which is a key contributor to all-important whole life cost figures on which many businesses base their company car choice lists.

‘Meanwhile, all company car drivers are looking to reduce their tax bills and free up cash to meet other expenditure. The all-new Mazda3 delivers class-leading CO2 emissions with no compromise on performance giving a real alternative to the traditional in both the C and C/D segments.’