The new Mazda6 went on sale at the turn of the year and remains an ‘appealing fleet proposition’, according to the judges, due to its low benefit-in-kind tax bills and fuel economy as a result of engineering initiatives to slash emission levels.  Mazda has retained and built upon the original model’s sportiness and design flair.  The creation of bodyshells which are significantly stiffer, as well as lighter, means that both the hatchback and the estate models deliver even more responsive handling. 

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

The new Mazda6 range is on sale with benefit-in-kind tax groups up to four levels lower model-for-model than the previous model, largely achieved due to the use of weight reducing engineering techniques, meaning savings of hundreds of pounds a year for company car drivers.

Significantly lower CO₂ emissions also translate into reduced Vehicle Excise Duty bills and fuel economy improvements – crucially important for fleet operators as they battle to keep operating costs under control with pump prices at record levels.  For example, the 2.0-litre 140ps turbo diesel with CO₂ emissions cut from 165g/km (hatchback) to 149g/km – 23 percent down to 20 percent. Combined cycle fuel economy on the diesel is more than 50mpg. 

The 1.8-litre 120ps has a CO₂ figure of 162g/km (hatchback) compared with the 186g/km for the previous car – an amazing four-band reduction in company car tax from 24 percent in 2007/08 to 20 percent in 2008/09. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 40.9mpg.  There are similar reductions for the 2.0-litre 147ps with CO₂ emissions down from 191g/km (hatchback) to 168g/km – 25 percent down to 21 percent.

In presenting the award to Mazda, Mr Emmerson said: “The new Mazda6 is a welcome addition to an already impressive line up of Mazda vehicles available to fleets. The really good news is that the CO₂ emissions and company car tax levels are significantly lower than the outgoing model. It is an attractive and comfortable car with impressive performance figures that demand the attention of fleets and is a worthy winner of this year’s Best New Car award.”

On-the-road prices start at £15,110 for the 1.8 S 5dr and extend to £22,030 for the 2.0 Diesel Sports Luxury Estate.  With a choice of three petrol – 1.8, 2.0 and new 2.5 litre – and one diesel engine, 2.0 turbo diesel – and five trim levels, standard specification on the Mazda6 includes: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TC) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist as well as front, side and full-length airbags, daytime running lights, alloy wheels and air conditioning.