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Drivers opting for supermini diesels defy commercial logic, according to James Muir, Mazda's European president, despite the firm introducing a diesel-powered 2 supermini.
He said: "Is it logically worth a customer buying a small diesel? Absolutely not. It takes 94,000 miles to break even. Taxation changes views and diesels are all the rage among CO2-fixated politicians. What happens when they look at NOx?"
Diesel Mazda 2s, £1000 dearer than petrol counterparts, will have a 114g/km CO2 rating. Meanwhile, Muir revealed Mazda will use its own 2.2-litre 170-180PS diesel for the CX-7 4x4 crossover within 18 months.
This should boost annual sales of the currently petrol-only 4x4 from 1000 to 2500 units and increase its scope among fleets looking for
sub-200g/km CO2 figures. The in-house diesel will also be used in the 6.
Muir hinted that Mazda could join the growing ranks of compact off-roader producers by 2010, pointing to a lower medium-sized concept car, appearing at the August Moscow motor show.
"It has been developed in Europe and looks at further exploration of the SUV segment. It is stretchy in its looks but not a flight of fancy."
Muir also wants a "proper seven-seater MPV" to replace the current 6+1 seater format Mazda 5, and "we are working on that with the next generation car, along with retaining sliding doors".
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