Mazda3 Still Australia’s Favourite Car

Australian buyers remain enamoured with the Mazda3, four years on from the current model's debut and more than a year since its last major update.

The small Mazda boosted its appeal in 2011 with the introduction of the Skyactiv-powered SP20 and a number of styling and feature tweaks.

With a quieter and more refined drive, along with improved fuel efficiency, the SP20 has proven a welcome addition for buyers - and a solid player for Mazda as it works on an all-new model.

Toyota rounded out the country's top-three sellers last month with its new Corolla hatch and the Camry midsizer - December marking its third consecutive month as the best-selling Australian-made car.

• MORE: Strong new releases from Toyota in 2012, the Camry and Corolla both featured in TMR's 2012 Best Buys list.

Toyota's HiLux also remains a performer in fourth position for December, and despite new competition from the Ranger, BT-50 and Amarok, is still the best-selling pickup in the country. Nissan's Navara closed out the top five.

Toyota didn't snag the top spot for an individual model, but its overall sales made it the top brand in the country.

Holden and Ford both lost share in 2012, although both brands will offer significant new releases in 2013.