Australia’s top-selling import brand has triumphed in the all-important Small Car and Medium Car categories in the 2007 Carsales Network People’s Choice Awards.

For an impressive fifth consecutive year, the perennially popular Mazda6 won the Medium Car category, while the highly popular Mazda3 took out the Small Car award, for the fourth year in a row.

Now in its sixth sales year, appeal for the current model Mazda6 remains strong ahead of an all-new model expected in Australia in early 2008. As recently as October, Mazda6 was the country’s best-selling imported medium car.

Buyers have flocked to the Mazda3, attracted by a blend of performance, economy and no shortage of style.

The Carsales Network People’s Choice Awards, run by Australia’s number one automotive classified company, Carsales.com Ltd, are unique in Australia as the only popular poll of car buyers’ favourite vehicles.

From November 1, 2006 to October 31, 2007, every time a Carsales Network user placed an enquiry on a new car, whether through carsales.com.au, carpoint.com.au or any of its affiliated websites, the enquiry counted as a vote in the 2007 Carsales Network People’s Choice Awards.

Commenting on the 2007 People’s Choice Awards, Carsales.com Ltd Managing Director and CEO Greg Roebuck said: “Winners are not chosen by journalists, manufacturers or industry bodies but by Australian car buyers themselves.

With products as well rounded as the Mazda6 and Mazda3, it’s no surprise Mazda has such a strong following. These cars continue to attract the hard-earned dollars of private car buyers and user choosers alike. It’s little wonder Mazda is posting record sales again in 2007.”

Managing Director of Mazda Australia Doug Dickson said: “2007 has seen sweet success for Mazda in Australia. Winning consumer-driven awards such those bestowed by Carsales.com.au is further confirmation that more Australian new-car buyers than ever before are opting for Mazda’s award-winning Stylish, Insightful and Spirited vehicles.

“It is also pleasing to see that even as the Mazda6 enters its last months ahead of an all-new model in March 2008 consumer demand for the products has not waned.”