MAZDA is the latest mainstream manufacturer to join in the price war with cuts of up to 15% announced at the show. The company has been offering discounts on certain models over the last few months, but the move, effective from October 20, came in the wake of list price cuts by Honda, Ford, Vauxhall and Toyota.

Tim Tozer, managing director of Mazda UK, said: 'We know our customers appreciate the quality, style and reliability of Mazda cars and score our dealers extremely well for the service they receive. However, Mazda UK recognises the importance of value for money and we have risen to the challenge to put our customers first, so they can buy with confidence.'

Demio, 323, Premacy and 626 ranges now start with low price Atlantis special editions. But elsewhere in the line-up there have been cuts ranging from £1,000 on the 323 1.3 LXi (£10,495) to £4,700 on the Xedos 9 (£23,995), although that model no longer has a supercharged engine.

The MX-5 range, excluding special editions, is now at least £1,000 cheaper, starting at £14,995 for the 1.6i, while the 626 is reduced by between £455 for the five door 1.8LXi to £705 on estate models. The price of the Mazda MPV falls from £19,800 to £16,995.

Mazda says it is continuing to keep its pricing policy transparent with no hidden extras by publishing on-the-road prices for all its vehicles. However, the reductions do not affect Mazda's B Series and E Series commercial vehicles.