On sale from January, the Mazda3 joins the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 in featuring the brand’s SKYACTIV technology, which offers low carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and first-class fuel economy.

To date the fleet sales split between diesel and petrol engine models for the new Mazda3 is 63% versus 37% respectively, with the petrol models proving particularly attractive to employees opting for a company car via a salary sacrifice scheme or lease arrangement.

Fuel economy of the entry-level SKYACTIV-G petrol 1.5-litre 99bhp model is a 24% better than the previous-generation Mazda3 1.6-litre petrol, with CO2 emissions reduced by a huge 17%.

Industry data suggests that average fleet mileage is reducing and Mazda head of fleet Steve Tomlinson believes that is a contributory factor to demand for petrol-engined all-new Mazda3 models being higher than forecast at launch.

He said: ‘MPG from all-new Mazda3 SKYACTIV-G petrol engines is phenomenal and as average company car mileage reduces many drivers do not require a diesel engine model. Furthermore, businesses and drivers benefit from the lower pump price of petrol.

‘Many companies’ link vehicle choice lists to a monthly lease rate allowance and drivers typically select models that deliver the best value for money. The combination of power, performance and specification delivered by the all-new Mazda3 petrol engine range twinned with low CO2 and top-notch MPG is proving very attractive when factored against a monthly lease rate, which reflects annual mileage and excellent residual values.’

The new Mazda3 is available in both a Hatchback and Fastback (saloon) with fleet sales at 62% versus 38% for private sales.

Petrol engine models offer fuel economy from up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 119g/km, while the diesel engine, which meets Euro 6 emission standards, returns up to 72.4mpg with emissions from 104g/km.