FLEETS have been given an extra reason for including the Mazda6 on choice lists with the news that CAP Monitor has given petrol versions of the car class-leading residual value predictions.

The entry-level 1.8S hatchback – which undercuts rivals from Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen on list price by more than £1,000 – has been forecast to retain 35% of its value over three-years/60,000- miles.

The figure puts it significantly ahead of the next best – the Vectra and Passat – in terms of forecast percentage of retained value and actual cash lost. CAP forecasts that equivalent Vectra and Passat models will retain 32% of their new price after three years and 60,000 miles.

Jeff Knight, editor of CAP Monitor, said: 'Mazda has clearly moved on in terms of style and image with the Mazda6, which is likely to be rewarded with improved residual values over the outgoing Mazda 626.'

Mazda has also increased service intervals from 9,000 to 12,500 miles and projected service, maintenance and repair costs are £500 lower than its predecessor, the Mazda 626.

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda fleet and remarketing director, said: 'We knew the Mazda6 was going to be good in terms of wholelife costs, but this has exceeded our expectations and has great implications for both fleet and retail customers.

'The result will be some of the best contract hire rentals of any car in the sector.'