Strong residual values, keen pricing and competitive CO2 emissions see the Mazda6 Estate beat off stiff competition to be named 'Best Estate Car' at the 2010 Fleet News Awards - the industry 'Oscars'.
Recognition from the leading industry publication represents a superb swansong for the current Mazda6 range as the manufacturer gears up to launch a revised line-up over the coming weeks.
The award was presented at a glittering ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday (March 17, 2010) with the independent panel of fleet expert judges declaring: "The Mazda6 Estate combines excellent practicality with genuine driver appeal thanks to its huge load volume, engaging drive and powerful diesel engines.
"It represents great value for fleet operators with strong residual values, while its keen pricing and competitive CO2 emissions make it a tempting proposition when it comes to driver taxation.
"It is also very well equipped and comes with excellent safety features, including an audible rear blindspot warning on some models. Folding the rear seats result in a flat load area allowing the Mazda6 to swallow an enormous cargo. With sharp handling, first-rate build quality and good levels of comfort, it offers fleets a capable workhorse estate that is also desirable for drivers."
The judges concluded: "The Mazda6 combines flexibility with driver appeal and is a good deal for fleets from a financial point of view."
The triumph in this year's Fleet News Awards comes 12 months after the Mazda6 was named 'Best Large Family Car' at last year's 'Oscars' and the Mazda6 scooping the 'Family Car' and 'Estate Car' categories at the What Car? Car of the Year 2010 Awards.
The Mazda6 was the car that put the company on the fleet map when it first entered showrooms eight years ago.
Following the latest awards win for the current generation Mazda6, Fleet and Remarketing Director Peter Allibon said: "The Mazda6 has always been a compelling package for fleets, which has been recognised by this year's Fleet News Awards' judges.
"We are delighted that the current model's sector-leading credentials have secured another fleet award, but all eyes are now focused on the new model, which delivers an even more compelling proposition to the corporate sector thanks to lower CO2 emissions (down by up to 6.1 percent), improved fuel economy (up to 6.4 percent) and better performance from upgraded engines."
CO2 has been cut by up to 10g/km on a model-for-model basis across the Mazda6 range delivering benefit-in-kind tax savings for company car drivers and financial savings on a range of other vehicle-related taxes for companies - Class 1A National Insurance contributions paid on benefits-in-kind, Vehicle Excise Duty and capital allowances.
Estate diesel model emissions all reduce to below 150g/km to help offset April 2010 5g/km increases in company car tax thresholds and rises in VED rates on cars with emissions of 151g/km and above.
The revised 19-model Mazda6 range will enter showrooms shortly with a choice of two body styles (hatchback and estate), six engines (three petrol and three diesel) and four equipment levels - S, TS, TS2, and Sport. Priced from £16,990 on-the-road for the Mazda6 1.8 5dr S with the Estate range starting at £19,290 for the Mazda6 Estate 2.0 TS.