Mazda has added its 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine to the Mazda3, giving the small family car sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.

When matched to the six-speed manual transmission, the 105hp engine emits 99g/km of CO2 and has an official combined fuel economy of 74.3mpg.

The new engine is available across all trim levels with prices starting at £18,895 on-the-road and is available in hatchback and fastback body styles.

Steve Tomlinson, head of fleet for Mazda UK, said: “Putting the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D into the Mazda3 will significantly increase the appeal of the Mazda3 to those fleets who prefer their drivers to run vehicles with a sub-2.0-litre engine, and with CO2 emissions from 99g/km this will also make the car more popular with drivers who place low benefit-in-kind taxation near the top of their consideration criteria.

“I am confident that the addition of the Mazda3 1.5-litre diesel derivative to Mazda’s already extensive corporate vehicle choice list will enhance our fleet appeal even further when the car goes on sale on December 1.”