MAZDA is hoping to cash-in on new corporate tax rules aimed at encouraging fleets to operate 'clean' cars, with its new low-emission Mazda2 supermini.
All businesses can claim a first year allowance of 100 per cent enhanced capital allowances on the operation of business cars that emit less than 120 g/km of carbon dioxide until April, 2008.
Capital allowances give tax relief for the depreciation in value of an asset, spread over a number of years, which is typically 25 per cent a year on a reducing-balance basis. The special concession for low-emission cars is designed to boost the fleet take-up of 'clean' cars.
Businesses choosing the 1.4-litre common rail. direct injection Mazda2 diesel, which arrives this month can claim all the tax relief on the list price immediately. Emitting 119 g/km of CO2, the three-strong Mazda2 diesel range includes the 1.4S costing £9,695, the 1.4 TS at £10,495, and the 1.4 TS2 at £11,495.
And while businesses are benefiting, company car drivers also cash-in as the model is in the lowest possible benefit-in-kind tax bracket through to April 2005.
Mazda fleet and remarketing director Jeremy Thomson says: "The new capital allowance rules represent a considerable advantage to a company's cashflow. For fleets operating cars over a typical three or four-year replacement cycle the tax concession is particularly advantageous.
"Just as the Mazda6 is winning fleet praise we believe the environmentally-friendly Mazda2 will be highly sought after due to a class-leading combination of pricing, tax efficiency, specification, driving dynamics and handling.''
The 68 bhp engine achieves 63 mpg on the combined cycle, making the diesel Mazda2 one of the most fuel-efficient superminis of all. Even the TS versions come with a CD player, electric front windows, ABS and twin front airbags.