The new range features a refreshed exterior and interior styling improvements, additional equipment and a range of significant technical enhancements that improve fuel economy by up to 6.4% per model.

CO2 has been cut by up to almost 10 g/km on a model-for-model basis depending on engine size thus delivering tax savings for company car drivers in most countries and financial savings on a range of other vehicle-related taxes, such as registration tax, for companies.

In the 12 months to 31 March 2011 Mazda expects to sell more than 50,000 Mazda6 models, of which about 50% are predicted to be fleet sales – more than in Mazda's current fiscal year.

Mazda Motor Europe's fleet operations director James Hopkins said: 'Although there has been a trend in recent years for company car drivers to downsize, there is a realisation among many that a C-segment car is not big enough for their requirements. Drivers, many of them from premium models, have then chosen the Mazda6 as the best value model.'

The three 2.2-litre diesel engine options remain from the original second-generation Mazda6, but power output on the standard level engine rises from 125PS to 129PS, although CO2 emissions are reduced from 147g/km to 138g/km (Wagon from 148g/km to 139g/km).

Emissions on the 163PS output diesel option drop to 142g/km (from 147g/km), while power on the third diesel engine option reduces from 185PS to 180PS but performance is not impacted and emissions also drop to 142g/km from 149g/km (Wagon from 149g/km to 143g/km).

Mr Hopkins anticipates that "user-chooser" company car drivers will continue to be attracted to higher specified models. Meanwhile, essential "job need" drivers and eco-conscious drivers are expected to gravitate towards the 2.2-litre 129 PS.

He commented: 'Many company car choice lists are imposing a sub 140g/km cap on some grades of drivers so we expect there to be significant demand for the 129PS diesel. Indeed, the standard power 129PS model has lower CO2 than many competitors' 'eco models', without any compromise on performance or driving pleasure. I believe that the new Mazda6 really is a very compelling package for all fleets in Europe.'