Mazda 3 breaks production record

Mazda 3 breaks production record

The popular Mazda 3 hatchback has set a new global production record for its manufacturer.

According to Mazda, the model reached three million cumulative production units in April after being on sale for less than eight years.

The achievement makes the Mazda 3 the company's fastest-selling passenger car and further underlines its popularity in the UK, where motorists have drawn inspiration from its handling, performance and design.

"The Mazda 3 embodies the three elements of Mazda's DNA: distinctive design, exceptional functionality, and responsive handling and driving performance," said Hirotaka Kanazawa, senior managing executive officer in charge of research and development at Mazda.

Since its launch, the model has been named Best Family Car at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2009 and also reached first place in the European compact car segment of the 2010 customer satisfaction study from J D Power.

Meanwhile, Mazda recently confirmed that its upcoming compact SUV will be called the CX-5 and will go on sale in the UK in early 2012.