Business Car Manager Verdict
For an enthusiast business car driver, the Mazda3 ticks plenty of boxes.
There’s a combination of entertaining performance levels with engaging handling that makes it a joy to drive. For everybody else, the practicality and economy on offer will be a big draw, with the Mazda3 being as capable as any of its compact hatch style rivals.
The fact it’s a stylish proposition that undercuts its rivals on price just adds to that appeal.
For the business buyer, the low company car tax rates combined with a relatively low price tag could be enough to move a few away from the ubiquitous German options.
The decision from Mazda to go with a right-size-not-down-size 2.2 litre diesel engine has paid dividends in all areas, with the Japanese firm using its fuel-saving SkyActiv technologies to the fullest, from the KERS-like i-ELOOP battery system to the lower compression ratio in the engine.
The Low Down…
| Doors and body style | 5-door hatch or 4-door saloon saloon |
| Engine/gearbox | 2.2 litre 4-cyl turbodiesel/6-speed manual |
| CO2 Emissions | 107g/km |
| Economy | 68.9mpg |
| Power/torque | 150PS/380Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed | 8.1secs/130mph |
| Insurance group | N/A |
…and what it costs
| P11D Value | £21,345 | |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £269 (3yrs/30,000 miles) | |
| Road tax (VED) | Band B | |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2013/14 to 2015/16 | 16%, 17%, 19% | |
| Benefit in kind (BIK) 2013/14 to 2015/16 | £3415, £3629, £4055 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £675/£56 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £1350/£113 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £683/£57 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £1366/£114 | |
| Figures correct at time of posting | ||
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator | |
The end result is a car that really does suit most of the people most of the time.
