Drivers choosing a diesel Mazda6 could benefit from lower tax bills following a cut in CO2 emissions.

Emissions on the manual 150hp 2.2-litre diesel saloon models have been cut from 108g/km to 104g/km with a corresponding improvement in fuel economy taking the combined cycle figure from 67.3mpg to 72.4mpg.

For the new Mazda6 Tourer with the same powertrain, emissions are reduced to 110g/km from 116g/km and economy improves from 64.2mpg to 67.3mpg, moving it from band C to the lower band B for vehicle excise duty.

The new Mazda6 2.2-litre 150ps diesel Saloon costs from £21,995 on-the-road (OTR) in SE trim and the emission cut triggers a 2013/14 reduction in P11D percentage values from 16% to 15% meaning an annual company car benefit-in-kind tax saving of £43.88 for a basic rate taxpayer (£3.66 a month) and an £87.76 (£7.31 a month) saving for a higher rate tax payer.

Similarly, on the new Mazda6 Tourer, which costs from £22,795 (OTR) in SE trim, the emission cut delivers a 2013/14 reduction in P11D percentage values from 18% to 17% meaning an annual company car benefit-in-kind tax saving of £45.48 for a basic rate taxpayer (£3.79 a month) and a £90.96 (£7.58 a month) saving for a higher rate taxpayer.

Steve Tomlinson, Mazda’s head of fleet, said: "Mazda engineers have been able to deliver financial savings for company car drivers and businesses without compromising the model in terms of its power, performance or towing capacity.

"Indeed, the improvements that have delivered the CO2 emissions reduction and, consequently, the company car benefit-in-kind tax savings and fuel economy improvements mean that the 2.2-litre 150hp diesel models remain among the most efficient models in the segment.

"The new Mazda6 is the no compromise choice for company car drivers. They can have power, performance and driving fun with low emissions and first class fuel economy due to our Skyactiv technology. That cannot be obtained from rival manufacturers who have resorted to smaller engine displacements in pursuit of emission and fuel consumption improvements."

Tomlinson added: “Our well-established ‘fleet vehicle sold order pot’ programme, means our key business specialist network dealers are able to meet corporate demand typically within 10-14 days of orders being placed for the majority of models, which is significantly better than most rival marques."

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