Mazda has revised the 1.6 diesel engine in its Mazda 3 which has now been tuned to meet Euro V emissions regulations.

The revisions mean fuel economy is now up to a manufacturer quoted 64.2mpg and carbon dioxide emissions are now at 117g/km. This means retail and fleet customers qualify for the £0 first-year rate of road tax and will then pay £30 annual every year after.

Mark Cameron, sales director, Mazda UK, said: “Having a sub-120g/km car in the range, delivering low VED and benefit-in-kind tax bills and first-class fuel economy will no doubt further increase demand.”

“We are winning significant conquest business with Mazda3, both among private buyers and company car drivers.”

Prices for the new Mazda3 1.6 diesel start at £16,505 (OTR) for the TS version, while TS2-specified models begin at £17,705.