MAZDA is gearing up to upset the established lower medium sector fleet diesel hierarchy following the launch of diesel versions of the all-new Mazda3. With the launch of the marque's first major lower medium sector diesel, expert residual value predictions for the Mazda3 put the car ahead of established rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Vauxhall Astra and Renault Megane in terms of value for money.

Mazda's new car sales in 2004 are 60 per cent up year-on-year following a record-breaking 2003. This year's sales have built on the fleet platform established first by the Mazda6, which has been boosted more recently by the arrival of the Mazda2 and the Mazda RX-8 and latterly by the January launch of petrol-engined versions of the Mazda3.

Now the 1.6-litre 109ps second-generation common-rail diesel engined Mazda3 has joined the line-up at a time when UK diesel sales are running at a record-breaking 30%. Three variants are available - the 5 door S diesel costing £13,350 on the road and the 4dr/5dr TS model each costing £14,800 on the road.