Author:

ROBIN ROBERTS

Business car managers and leasing companies are being targeted in the latest sales drive by Mazda.

For the first time, standard contract hire support terms are available to leasing companies on special edition models, including the new Venture Edition models, available across the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda5 ranges, and two special edition Mazda MX-5 ‘Kuro’ models.

Mazda Head of Fleet Steve Tomlinson is confident the new Venture Editions and Kuro models will appeal, saying, “Historically, special edition Mazda models have been excluded from our standard support terms to contract hire and leasing companies and subsequently have had less appeal to fleets.

“However, as we continue to move from fifth to sixth generation Mazda models with the launch of the all-new Mazda6 following the recent arrival of the Mazda CX-5, we decided that our support term agreements would now include special edition models.

“That means contract hire and leasing companies benefiting from those agreements will be able to provide an immediate quote to fleet customers.  As a result of the added specification, such as Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation with integrated Bluetooth^® which has fleet appeal, the Venture Edition models deliver increased value for fleet customers so we expect an increase in corporate interest in the new range.”

All Venture models come equipped with a 5.8-inch Sanyo TomTom satellite navigation system with integrated Bluetooth, gunmetal alloy wheels and front fog lights.

The Mazda2 Venture costs from £12,995 on-the-road. Based on the already well-specified 84ps 1.3-litre MZR 5dr Tamura with CO₂ emissions of just 115g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 56.5mpg.

The Mazda3 Venture is available from £17,495 on-the-road and comes with a choice of 105ps 1.6-litre MZR petrol (CO₂ emissions of 144g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 44.8mpg) or 115ps 1.6-litre diesel (CO₂ emissions of 115g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 65.7mpg) engines.

The Mazda5 Venture is available from £19,995 on-the-road and comes with a choice of either a 150ps 2.0-litre MZR petrol (CO₂ emissions of 159g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 40.9mpg) or 115ps 1.6-litre diesel engine (CO₂ emissions of 138g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 54.3mpg).

The Mazda ‘MX-5 Kuro’ models – Kuro means Black in Japanese – are based on the MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models. The Kuro is available as a 126ps 1.8i Soft-top (£18,495 on-the-road) and a 160ps 2.0i Roadster Coupe (£21,995 on-the-road) with additional specification highlights over the donor car that offer a more sports focused exterior and sophisticated leather interior fittings.

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