Mazda has set a new Japanese financial year benchmark thanks to best-ever March sales and a record first quarter, according to VFACTS figures distributed today.

In the Japanese financial year ended March 31, 2017, Mazda sold a record 118,230 cars, SUVs and utes for a 10.1 per cent share, bettering the previous best of 116,193 set at the end of March last year.

Helped along with a record 10,472 March sales, Mazda also had its highest tally of first quarter sales with January 1 to March 31 retails reaching 30,462 for a 10.9 per cent slice of the Australian market.

Mazda is the nation's second most popular car maker and is Australia's leading full-line import brand.

Thanks to Mazda's contemporary design language, long list of safety technologies and premium driving experience, Mazda sales were strong across the range with SUVs narrowly outselling passenger cars 4,692 to 4,449 last month.

Having launched the Next-Gen Mazda CX-5 only last week, the previous generation model accounted for 2,116 sales last month, a remarkable performance given the model is over five years old. The Mazda CX-3 enjoyed a March record 1,601 sales and Brand-New Mazda CX-9 had its best month ever with 975 retails.

Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-3 top their respective sales segments with the former being Australia's best-selling SUV, while the Mazda CX-9 was one of the country's most popular large SUVs last month.

Mazda3 was the marque's best-selling vehicle with 3,039 March retails, while 883 Mazda2s found new homes. Mazda2 sales were lower than normal due to a hold back of New Mazda2 stock which goes on sale this coming Monday.

Mazda6 was again the nation's most popular mid-sized import under $60,000 with 349 sales last month, Mazda MX-5 – thanks to the recent arrival of the Retractable Fastback (RF) hard top model – scored 178 sales and Mazda BT-50 posted a March best 1,331 sales.

Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi said: "We are delighted with our March performance. Not only did this contribute towards record first quarter sales but helped grow the business to finish the Japanese financial year with strong results including a 10% market share. I am very proud of the hard work put in by everyone across the Dealership network and by the team at Mazda Australia.  But now the focus turns to April as we look to move the final Mazda CX-5, Mazda2 and Mazda CX-3 run out stock. Next-Gen Mazda CX-5 sales have started and the initial feedback from buyers on the showroom floor has been extremely positive. It doesn't matter what your preferred vehicle is, Mazda offers a modern range that is sure to impress."