FLEETS can finally pre-order the Mazda RX-8 four-door, four-seat sports coupe from Friday (May 9) through the Mazda Business Centre.

Retail customers have been able to pre-order their cars through a special website (www.mazdaRX8.co.uk) on which they register and pay a £1,000 deposit to ensure they receive one of the first cars in the UK on sale in July.

Fleet customers now have their own system of pre-ordering, following the publication of predicted residual values figures.

Available in two variants, both using a 1.3-litre rotary engine, CAP expects the low-power (189bhp) version, priced at £19,995 on the road, to retain 44% of its value over three years/60,000 miles, while the high-power model (237bhp), priced at £21,995 on the road, is rated at 42%.

Jeremy Thomson, Mazda fleet and remarketing director, said: 'Mazda is reaping stunning success in the fleet sector and the launch of the Mazda RX-8 is set to become the 'halo' car and complete the comprehensive nine model range.

'The Mazda RX-8 is a true four-seat sports car and I expect it to be both aspirational and desirable in the company car parc where image counts. Its design – including room for four adults and plenty of luggage – means that unlike traditional coupes there is no compromise on space.'

Standard equipment on both models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, six airbags, climate control and a Bose premium audio system with nine speakers and a six-CD autochanger.