2010 marks the first full-year of new Mazda3 sales and Allibon said: "Demand for the Mazda3 is fuelling increased fleet sales, while registrations of the recently freshened Mazda6, which has led corporate interest in the brand, continue to be strong."

The Mazda3 1.6 diesel with on-the-road prices starting at £16,505 for the TS trim level is the best-selling model accounting for around two-thirds of sales due particularly to its low benefit-in-kind tax rating thanks to carbon dioxide emissions of 119 g/km.

Allibon said: "Competitive list prices, a high specification, low CO2 emissions, excellent fuel economy and strong residual values have all been key to winning fleet business with the Mazda3."

He added: "Fleet business is rebounding as the economy recovers from recession. While a number of fleets extended fleet replacement cycles into a fourth year as the economy slowed, they realise that extending further into a fifth year is often not viable as residual values reduce and service, maintenance and repair costs rise.

"Consequently, businesses are renewing their vehicles fleets and Mazda is benefiting with sales of the 129ps Mazda6 2.2 diesel with emissions of 138 g/km also strong as it is favoured by user-choosers."

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