Engine modifications to the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre 148bhp engine powering both the Saloon and Tourer manual models have resulted in a reduction in CO2 emissions of 4g/km and 6g/km respectively to 104g/km and 110g/km.

Meanwhile fuel economy has also been improved, with the saloon now returning 72.4mpg (+5.1mpg) and the Tourer 67.3mpg (+3.1mpg) on the combined cycle.

The new Mazda6 2.2-litre 148bhp diesel saloon costs from £21,995 on-the-road (OTR) in SE trim and the emission cut triggers a 2013/14 reduction in P11D percentage values from 16% to 15%, meaning an annual company car BiKtax saving of £43.88 for a basic rate taxpayer (£3.66 a month) and an £87.76 (£7.31 a month) saving for a higher rate tax payer.

Similarly, on the new Mazda6 Tourer, which costs from £22,795 (OTR) in SE trim, the emission cut delivers a 2013/14 reduction in P11D percentage values from 18% to 17% meaning an annual company car BiK tax saving of £45.48 for a basic rate taxpayer (£3.79 a month) and a £90.96 (£7.58 a month) saving for a higher rate taxpayer.

And with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre 148bhp diesel also offered in SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav trims, the emissions reduction means that, depending on model choice, BiK tax savings in 2013/14 could be up to £51.68 (£4.31 a month)/£48.48 (£4.04 a month) on the Sport Saloon/SE-L Tourer for a basic rate taxpayer and £103.36 (£8.61 a month)/£96.96 (£8.08 a month) for a higher rate taxpayer.

Steve Tomlinson, Mazda’s head of fleet, said: ‘Mazda engineers have been able to deliver financial savings for company car drivers and businesses without compromising the model in terms of its power, performance or towing capacity.

‘Indeed, the improvements that have delivered the CO2 emissions reduction and, consequently, the company car benefit-in-kind tax savings and fuel economy improvements mean that the 2.2-litre 148bhp diesel models remain among the most efficient models in the C/D segment.

‘The new Mazda6 is the no compromise choice for company car drivers. They can have power, performance and driving fun with low emissions and first class fuel economy due to our SKYACTIV technology. That cannot be obtained from rival manufacturers who have resorted to smaller engine displacements in pursuit of emission and MPG improvements.’

Tomlinson added: ‘Our well-established “fleet vehicle sold order pot” programme, means our key Business Specialist Network dealers are able to meet corporate demand typically within 10-14 days of orders being placed for the majority of models, which is significantly better than most rival marques.’