MAZDA is bidding for a residual value premium with its new 121 supermini over the near-identical Ford Fiesta by restricting fleet business.

The new 121 has gone sale in six versions in three and five-door guises and will be on display at next week's Fleet Show at Silverstone. It is powered by Ford's lively 1.25 litre 16v engine, two have the old 1.3 litre units and there's a 1.8 litre diesel. Power steering is standard as is the three year/60,000 mile warranty. Prices range from £7,885 for the 1.3i GXi three door, to £10,895 for the 1.25i ZXi five door automatic.