The Mazda3 small car was the top-selling vehicle in Australia, according to January retail figures released by VFACTS today.

The Mazda3 recorded 3,124 retails in January 2009, up 7.2 percent on the same month in 2008.

This is the first time a Mazda model has topped the sales charts in Mazda’s 50 years in Australia.

In total, 6,532 Mazda passenger cars and commercials were retailed in January, netting Mazda third place overall with 9.7 per cent market share.

Managing Director Doug Dickson said Mazda was delighted by consumers’ enduring affection for the Mazda3, but warned against reading too much into it.

"This is a fantastic result for the Mazda3 sedan and hatch range, though I think the market came to Mazda in January.

"Mazda3 averaged 3,131 retails in January 2007 and 2008, so in that context the 2009 result is nothing out of the ordinary."

Mr Dickson said the Mazda3’s rise to the top of the sales charts was a fitting closing chapter for the outgoing Mazda3 as Mazda prepares to usher in the new-generation Mazda3 by mid-year.