Mazda claims its next generation diesel engines will not command a higher premium over petrol models, despite complying with stringent Euro 6 emissions rules.

Legislation for Euro 6 affects all new models launched from 2013, and tightens further the particulate limits set by Euro 5.

According to Mazda, its next generation of diesel engines, known internally as ‘Sky’ will comply with Euro 6 emissions rules but will not cost customers any more than the typical premium over petrol engines already in place.

“We believe there is a lot more to come from diesel technology beyond what we have seen already,” Martin Benders, Mazda vice-president for European sales operations, told Fleet News.

“Our Sky diesel engines are designed to comply with Euro 6 rules and there will be no greater premium over petrol models. If anything we’ll be trying to make the premium smaller.”

Mazda’s next generation of diesel and petrol engines will lead to an average 30% reduction in fuel consumption across its range by 2015, and the engines will be introduced with the next generation of Mazda vehicle, the first expected in the UK in 2012.

Mazda will also introduce stop-start technology currently offered on 2.0-litre petrol models on the next generation of engines.

It has also ruled out introducing a full electric vehicle in the near future pointing to research that stated battery EVs will likely have a 5% market share by 2020.

Benders added: “For a company the size of Mazda it’s better for us to remain focused on the other 95% of the market, although we will continue to monitor the market and will respond if necessary.”