Mazda's sales decline I find it quite interesting. Despite many private buyers choosing mid spec models, the 3's higher entry price has sent consumers into the arms of Kia and Hyundai at the low $20k range. Mazda have always said they have a high level of more profitable private customers, however with Australians not prioritizing a new car at the moment, companies like Mazda are going to be hurt the most without fleet/rental/government sales to soak up excess volume. It would seem that Mazda's focus on styling and driving dynamics over the last 15 years wasn't the main reason they have sold so well, a cheap entry point to lure customers into showrooms played a big part of their success.
https://www.caradvice.com.au/825057/...-sale-decline/