Six Shooter Can Do The Business
A NEW variant of the popular Mazda6 hatchback has been launched – and it’s being aimed specifically at Britain’s corporate market.
The idea behind the new Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ model is to give company car drivers a highly specified vehicle at a competitive price.
It is a single, fleet focused hatchback with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 129PS and priced at £18,300. Emitting 138g/km of CO2, the car sits in the 20 per cent benefit-in-kind tax bracket for 2011/12.
First deliveries will begin in late summer and Mazda expects to sell in the region of 500 'Business Line' models in the remainder of this year, with annual sales predicted at around 1,000 vehicles.
And using feedback from company car drivers the new ‘6’ will come in the three most popular colours - Black Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Stormy Blue Mica.
Trim comprises the standard model spec, plus a Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation system with Bluetooth technology and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Mazda’s fleet and remarketing director Steve Jelliss said: “Drivers choosing the new 'Business Line’ model will pay just £60.43 a month if a basic rate taxpayer or £120.87 a month if a higher rate taxpayer. That represents fantastic value-for-money for a car with the style, performance and features of our latest model.
“With an anticipated monthly contract hire rate lower than significant rival models, the Mazda6 ‘Business Line’ will sit in the company car band below the premium badge cars. Consequently, given its tax rating and specification levels, we also anticipate it will appeal to employees choosing a car within a salary sacrifice scheme.”
Other features on the new model include Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist as well as front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control and dual-zone climate control air conditioning.
