ALL-NEW MAZDA CX-5 DELIVERS LOW COMPANY CAR TAX BILLS

• All-new Mazda CX-5 powered by breakthrough SKYACTIV technology
• Performance versus emissions unmatched in sector
• Financial savings for drivers and fleets versus rival models

The all-new Mazda CX-5 powered by the manufacturer’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology promises company car drivers’ tax bill benefits due to low emission engines that deliver unrivalled performance.

The Mazda CX-5, which goes on sale from 18 May in the UK, is the first product from the Japanese brand to embody its innovative SKYACTIV technology.

On-the-road prices for the 18-strong compact crossover SUV model range start from £21,395 for the 2.0-litre SE-L SKYACTIV-G 165ps petrol and rise to £28,795 for the flagship 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 175ps diesel Sport NAV Auto all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 2-wheel drive (2WD) petrol engine range gives drivers a choice of SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav trim levels. Emitting 139g/km of CO₂ and returning 47.1mpg on the combined cycle no competitor models can match such figures given the available power.

Diesel engine performance – 2.2-litre powerplants with a choice of SKYACTIV 150ps or 175ps engines with 2WD or all-wheel drive (AWD), manual and automatic transmissions and four equipment levels (SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav) – is similarly unmatched in terms of both CO₂ emissions (from 119g/km) and fuel economy (from 61.4mpg on the combined cycle).

For company car drivers it all adds up to benefit-in-kind tax savings versus rival models alongside Class 1A National Insurance savings for businesses, as well as operating cost bonuses.

The arrival of the emission-busting CX-5 also means for fleets and company car drivers fuel saving advantages over competitors – particularly critical with pump prices at record levels and set to rise further with a 3p per litre fuel duty rise scheduled for August 1.

Company car tax for drivers choosing the entry-level 2WD SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre SE-L (P11D value £21,220) will be £764 (20% taxpayer)/£1,528 (40% taxpayer) in 2012/13 rising to £806/£1,613 in 2013/14 due to emissions being just 139g/km.

Such low emissions are because the CX-5 is powered by the ‘cleanest’ petrol engine when compared with such rivals as the Audi Q3, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Skoda Yeti and Volkswagen Tiguan. Only the Nissan Qashqai matches the CX-5 emissions but performance is just 117ps from a 1.6-litre engine.

Meanwhile, company car tax for drivers choosing the entry-level 2WD SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre 150ps diesel SE-L (P11D value £22,940) or the AWD alternative (P11D value £24,520) will also benefit from unbeatable value in terms of emissions versus performance.

Benefit-in-kind tax bills on the respective models in 2012/13 are £780/£1,560 rising in 2013/14 to £826/£1,652 on the 2WD option for 20%/40% taxpayers with bills being £1,030/£2,060 in 2012/13 rising to £1,079/£2,158 in 2013/14 for 20%/40% taxpayers opting for the AWD variant.

Once again emissions of 119g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of up to 61.4mpg are unmatched by rivals given the available performance (150ps). Although emissions are matched by both the Qashqai and Yeti engine power is significantly below that of the CX-5.

Mazda UK Head of Fleet Steve Tomlinson said: “Class-leading CO₂ emissions and fuel economy, with no compromise on performance means that the CX-5 is setting new benchmarks in the burgeoning compact SUV segment.

“Company car drivers and fleet operators are all looking to save money both personally and for their businesses and the CX-5 delivers financial savings when taking account of available performance in comparison with rival models.

“Thanks to its solid environmental credentials, fun-to-drive performance and attractive pricing, the Mazda CX-5 is expected to have huge fleet and company car driver appeal,” concluded Tomlinson.

Generously specified, Mazda CX-5 SE-L models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual‑zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors.  Moving up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.