MAZDA Australia, which has made a virtue of largely focussing on private buyers, has expanded its fleet offerings by adding two new passenger models to its popular Mazda Fleet Program as the brand’s dealers watch stock levels start to grow.

The CX-5 and CX-8 SUVs will now become available to fleet buyers and brings to three the number of models in the program. Mazda has long made the BT-50 ute an integral part of the program.

Available to large fleet customers, the Mazda Fleet Program now comprises more than 25 versions, with all grades of BT-50, CX-5 and CX-8 incorporated within the program.

The additions mark renewed interest in fleet buyers by Mazda and follows a similar revisit made earlier this year by Hyundai.

Mazda had previously had a low-key approach to the fleet market and often said its successful sales reflected the brand’s choice of private Australian buyers.

Mazda Australia says that in addition to preferential pricing, all Mazda Fleet Program customers benefited from priority stock allocation and loan evaluation vehicles. 

Fleet vehicle buyers also shared the private market’s five years of premium roadside assistance and Mazda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The Mazda Fleet Program is available to key leasing companies across the country, as well as rental companies and local, state or federal government fleet buyers.

Mazda Australia director of sales Jarrod Gieschen said the CX-5 and CX-8 were “very welcome additions” to the brand’s fleet program and would “open up more choices to our valued fleet customers.”

“Both models offer immense flexibility, with a range of powertrains, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, diverse model grades and even the choice of six or seven seats in the CX-8; so, there is truly a CX-5 or CX-8 that can be enjoyed by every fleet customer.”

Mr Gieschen said fleet operators taking advantage of the expanded scheme will be ordering the latest CX-5, which is now priced from $36,560 plus on-road costs.

Fleet providers looking to enquire about the level of discount available, as well as other pertinent information on the program, are directed to their local Mazda dealer or via the Mazda Large Fleet Specialist team.

The updated Mazda CX-5 range now comprises Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT SP and Akera grades, the petrol-powered line-up offering 2.0- and 2.5-litre normally aspirated (badged G20 and G25 respectively) and 2.5-litre (badged G35) turbocharged four-cylinder engines in conjunction with two- and all-wheel drive.

Further, Mazda will offer a new paint colour, Platinum Quartz (replacing Sonic Silver), while the G20 Maxx gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now with touchscreen functionality.

For the G25 Touring, we now find 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels and Maztex upholstery, while G25 and G35 GT SP and Akera variants both receive a hands-free powered tailgate and a new grille design.

Finally, flagship Akera variants are also fitted out with new interior garnishing to contrast the Dark Russet Nappa leather upholstery.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-8 range – comprising Sport, Touring, Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LE grades – was comprehensively updated earlier this year.

Revisions to the line-up saw the introduction of a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB-C ports, and a range of styling enhancements.

The CX-8 range remains powered by the choice of G25 (2.5-litre petrol) or D35 (2.2-litre turbo-diesel) four-cylinder engines depending on the model grade specified.