Sector: Lower Medium Price: €23,500–€32,400 Fuel: 3.8–4.9l/100km CO2: 99–114g/km

It’s been an inevitable add‐on for at least a year. The Mazda3’s large diesel engine has curbed its full fleet potential, despite rising demand, and the Mazda2 and CX‐3 arrived in 2015 with a 1.5‐litre unit which has always seemed like a logical fit. Mazda clearly thought so too.

That’s not to say the 2.2‐litre was uncompetitive. Launched two years ago, 107g/km and 4.1l/100km mean it’s still among the most efficient of the 150hp diesel engines, and it’s been a big part of this car’s popularity with businesses.

However, it’s a large capacity engine where most of this segment is 2.0‐litres and below, and it’s meant Mazda hasn’t had a sub‐ 100g/km entry point in Europe’s biggest segment. That’s particularly important in some markets – 42% of UK C‐segment sales are 99g/km or less.

The 1.5‐litre engine, introduced in its more powerful 105hp form in the Mazda3, is aiming for tax‐conscious company car drivers, as well as targeting businesses who have a 2.0‐litre capacity limit for their fleets. It’s available in the four‐door and five‐door bodystyles, while many markets are offering the entry‐level diesel in the highest trim levels – a big indicator of its fleet focus.

Most importantly, on paper at least, it puts Mazda into the core of this segment. Manual versions consume 3.8 litres of diesel per 100km, in both bodystyles and all trim levels, which is competitive if not class leading. It doesn’t need to be, as the carmaker isn’t chasing healthy growth rather than segment-topping volumes.

Naturally, the drop in power costs a little of the Mazda3’s highly-praised driving experience, but it’s not a full demolition of what is an important point of choice for this car. The engine is very quiet when warmed up and the variable geometry turbocharger delivers a consistent, if never particularly urgent, spread of torque across the rev range. Drivers familiar with 1.6-litre diesels will find this feels much like the rest, albeit with one of the best chassis and steering setups in the segment.

Choice is limited slightly by the six-speed automatic gearbox, as fitted to our test car. It’s certainly one of the better automatic gearboxes, aside from the Volkswagen Group double-clutch units, but comes with a large CO2 and economy penalty. At 4.9l/100km and 114g/km, it’s really only an option for those who really need it.

Of course, the reality is often a little different. The 2.2-litre diesel is barely using any of its power while cruising, and it’s a proven performer when it comes to real-world efficiency. Downsizing can sometimes mean equipping a car with an engine that’s too small, and working too hard to come anywhere near the figures in the brochure.

Luckily, for Mazda, that’s not true here. We saw less than 5.6l/100km while cruising, on a nearly new engine, which suggests the automatic could consume less than 5.0l/100km with a few more miles under its belt. Manual versions should be even more efficient. Plenty to keep drivers and fleets happy.

Verdict:

The right engine for the Mazda3, at least in fleet. Greatly improved tax efficiency, without curbing its driver appeal or real-world economy.Good for the CX-5 too?