Mazda UK witnessed growth of 19% in 2013 from 2012 levels driven by demand for the Mazda CX-5 crossover and Mazda6 saloon and Tourer.

Mazda registrations for the second half of the year were up 40% and there was a huge surge in the final quarter when sales grew by 50% over the same period a year earlier.

With a new Mazda3 arriving in showrooms from the beginning of this month (January), the momentum of the final quarter is expected to continue in 2014.

“We have had great reports from our dealer network from last weekend’s launch activity for Mazda3 with significant orders taken,” said Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson.

He expects the Mazda3 and the continuing success of Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 to outperform the industry again in 2014 with sales growing by around ten per cent in what is expected to be a relatively flat market.

The driving forces of 2013 were the Skyactiv duo of Mazda6 and CX-5. Sales of Mazda CX-5 more than doubled from 2012 levels to some 6,000 units while Mazda6 registrations grew by 44%, also reaching close to 6,000 units.

Mazda believes around a third of all new model Mazda6 buyers are switching, from or had actively considered buying, traditional premium brands. "The brand continues to strengthen and our new range of models have very broad appeal," said Thomson.

This success is reflected in the growth in core fleet sales, up 60% in 2013 over 2012, led by demand for Mazda6. Despite this success, Mazda is still a strong retail brand, with two retail sales for every fleet sale reinforcing Mazda’s appeal as a franchise of choice for dealer groups looking to expand their manufacturer portfolio.

Mazda’s total registrations in 2013 were 31,230, up from 26,280 in 2012 and the brand was one of the fastest growing in 2013.