Held at Silverstone on 11 May, the event gave fleet chiefs their first chance to drive the new CX-3 and MX-5 alongside key corporate models from the Mazda3, Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 ranges.

Mazda UK’s head of fleet Steve Tomlinson said: “These models along with the addition of the low-emission Mazda3, which offers the best power to CO2 emissions ratio in the segment, have helped further strengthen our corporate sales offering. The Mazda range delivers broad appeal whether company car drivers require a mile-munching job need vehicle or a perk car focused around lifestyle.”

Ken Waites, director of Gloucestershire-base Waites Engineering, which has a 15-strong company car fleet, drove the Mazda3 and said: “With emissions of just 99g/km it is very attractive from a company car tax viewpoint as well as not attracting road tax in 2016/17.” With the Mazda3 also offering an OTR price from £18,895, he added: “It is very good value for money. The handling was faultless; the car was comfortable and with plenty of lowdown torque was very responsive. I was impressed.”

Meanwhile Colin Oliver, fleet operations manager at professional services firm PwC, which runs a user-chooser fleet of some 1,750 cars, drove a Mazda CX-3 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D with CO2 emissions of 105g/km and fuel economy as high as 70.6mpg, and said: “It was the first opportunity I’ve had to drive the CX-3. Employees have a completely open choice and SUVs are becoming more popular because of people’s lifestyles and their standout appeal in the company car market. The CX-3 performed very well. It is a good-looking car that has desirability and handled very well.”

Tony Miller, fleet co-ordinator at Coventry-based scientific instruments company Bruker UK, which already counts four Mazda6 and three CX-5 models on its 86-strong company car fleet, drove a number of the marque’s models.

He said: “Mazda cars have a good name on our fleet, particularly for their reliability and a style and design that is different from the norm. I was particularly interested in the Mazda CX-3 to see if it would be fit-for purpose for our fleet because we particularly like vehicles with low flat boot access for ease of loading. Benefit-in-Kind tax is also important to our employees so we guide them towards low-emission models.”

Steve Tomlinson added: “Mazda’s corporate sales are on a role and we are delighted with the reception that our range received at this year’s Fleet Show. Mazda has a powerful line-up that fleet decision-makers and company car drivers cannot ignore.”

Next year’s Silverstone Fleet Show takes place on Thursday 11 May. For more details, please phone 01727 739160.