Used car experts at CAP Monitor predict that the Mazda6 will be worth more after three years/60,000 miles than key rivals.

CAP Monitor say that average model-for-model depreciation across the Mazda6 range will be about £13,000 - less than upper-medium sector competitors such as the Toyota Avensis, Volkswagen Passat, Renault Laguna, Honda Accord, Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: “Throughout the past year Mazda has kept vehicle prices relatively stable across its product range in order to provide some consistency to our retail and fleet customers.

“This has resulted in improvements in the fleet favourite Mazda6 wholelife cost ranking within its segment, something that is critical to cost conscious fleets in today’s economic environment.”

Jeff Knight, forecast manager at CAP, said: “Mazda is reaping the benefits of producing stylish and well specified vehicles that are marketed with an eye on the list price thus giving an advantage in depreciation as well as company car drivers’ taxable benefit.”