Mazda's Oldest Small Car Nearly Doubled Its Sales Last Month While Its SUVs Tumbled

Key Takeaways

• Mazda3 sales surged 87.5% in July, with sedan sales jumping 91.8% and hatchback sales climbing 77.4%.
• The Mazda3’s strong performance helped total passenger car sales climb more than 50%, while SUV sales fell 18%.
• Rumors suggest the next-generation Mazda3 could be an electric replacement based on a Deepal model developed by Mazda’s Chinese partner Changan.
• The CX-30 gained almost 10% during July, while the CX-50 remains Mazda’s biggest year-to-date success story.
• The Miata, which is even older than the Mazda3, was broadly steady, with year-to-date sales edging slightly higher.

What’s Behind the Mazda3’s Sudden Popularity?

The current Mazda3 first debuted at the end of 2018, making it one of the oldest mainstream compact cars you can still buy. Despite its age, the Mazda3 enjoyed one of its strongest months in years, with sales surging 87.5% in July.

One possible explanation for the Mazda3’s sudden popularity is its reputation for being a fun-to-drive and feature-packed compact car. The Mazda3 has consistently received positive reviews from critics and owners alike, and its strong sales performance suggests that it remains a popular choice among car buyers.

How Does the Mazda3 Compare to Other Mazda Models?

While the Mazda3 was a bright spot in Mazda’s sales performance, the rest of the company’s models were not as fortunate. Overall, Mazda’s July sales dropped 13%, with SUV sales falling 18%.

The CX-30 gained almost 10% during July, while the CX-50 remains Mazda’s biggest year-to-date success story, climbing 26% to more than 76,500 deliveries. However, the CX-5, CX-70, and CX-90 all posted sizeable declines for the month.

What’s Next for the Mazda3?

Rumors suggest that the next-generation Mazda3 could be an electric replacement based on a Deepal model developed by Mazda’s Chinese partner Changan. This would be a significant departure from the current Mazda3, which is available with a range of gasoline engines.

Whether or not this plan comes to fruition remains to be seen. EV demand has cooled in the US, and tariffs and restrictions surrounding Chinese-built vehicles have already complicated life for brands like Polestar. If Mazda wants to keep a compact car in America, it may need a very different strategy than simply repackaging a Chinese EV.

How Does the Mazda3’s Sales Performance Affect the Broader Automotive Market?

The Mazda3’s strong sales performance is a bright spot in an otherwise challenging market. The compact car segment has been declining in recent years, and many manufacturers have been struggling to find traction.

However, the Mazda3’s success suggests that there is still demand for compact cars, particularly those that offer a fun-to-drive experience and a range of features. This could be a positive sign for other manufacturers that are looking to revamp their compact car offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Mazda3s were sold in July?

A: Mazda sold 3,903 Mazda3s during July in North America, up an impressive 87.5% from the same month last year.

Q: What is the future of the Mazda3?

A: Rumors suggest that the next-generation Mazda3 could be an electric replacement based on a Deepal model developed by Mazda’s Chinese partner Changan.

Q: How does the Mazda3 compare to other Mazda models?

A: The Mazda3 was a bright spot in Mazda’s sales performance, while the CX-30 gained almost 10% during July, and the CX-50 remains Mazda’s biggest year-to-date success story.