For the 2012 model year, Mazda began offering the Mazda3 with their newly developed Skyactiv technology, including a more rigid body, a new direct-injection engine, and a new 6-speed transmission.

[6] For the 2019 model, the all-new Mazda3 is equipped with the updated Skyactiv technologies, including a spark-controlled compression ignition engine marketed as the Skyactiv-X.

[7] The BK series Mazda3 was first unveiled at the 60th Frankfurt Motor Show on 10 September 2003, and launched in Japan in October 2003 as the Axela.

The model was well received by the automotive press for its performance, handling, styling and interior, with some describing it as feeling like a more expensive sports sedan/saloon despite its value-oriented price.

British Mazda3s are offered in S, TS, TS2, Sport, and a top end 2.3 L turbocharged Mazda3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) models.

Since April 2008, when there was a mainly cosmetic facelift of the Mazda3, there have been some changes to the trim designations for UK cars, with the models now being the entry-level S, then Takara (which replaces TS & TS2), the Tamura Special Edition and the Sport and MPS as before.

For the 2006 model year, Mazda added variable valve timing and variable-length intake runners to the 2.0-litre engine resulting in a power increase to 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS).

The front fascia and bumper were changed with a floating foglight design and the lower air intake opening was reshaped to better resemble the typical "Mazda five-point face."

[24] The interior of the Mazda3 was offered with several new colour choices and an audio jack in the centre console, allowing the use of digital music players.

Mazda engineers and designers addressed concerns regarding cabin noise level by redesigning or changing multiple systems and adding sound-deadening material to the roof lining and hood panel.

Options for the Sport GX include air conditioning, a convenience package containing power accessories and 15-inch alloys, and a rear trunk spoiler.

Updates includes new gauge clusters, cloth seats & door linings, MP3 ready sound system, and a redesigned grill.

Building upon the Neo, the "Maxx" offered power windows and mirrors, alloy wheels, remote keyless central locking, six speakers and an in-dash sound system.

The "Maxx Sport" added primarily cosmetic features, with that including a body kit, front fog lamps and larger alloy wheels.

The European model includes a start-stop system with the 2.0L DISI engine with an estimated increase fuel economy in city cycle by roughly 12%.

[43] Midway through 2010, features including side mirrors with integrated turn signals, footwell lighting, and power seat memory functions were removed.

[citation needed] Full details and images of the high-powered Mazdaspeed3 (known as the Mazda3 MPS in Europe or Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan) were released at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009.

[45] The chassis rigidity was increased with the use of additional high tensile steel most significantly in the centre floor pan and B-pillar where reinforcement was extended 7 inches.

In its first-drive review of the 2014 Mazda3, the auto enthusiast weblog Jalopnik stated that "once the 2.5 comes with a manual transmission, there is really no reason to buy anything else in this class.

Changes include a new dashboard layout, new front and rear exterior styling (the latter, only in the hatchback), new first-of-its-kind G-Vectoring Control and the removal of the diesel engine option.

Safety and driver assistance features were also improved, adding a traffic sign-recognition sensor[76] and pedestrian detection with the pre-collision braking system.

The fourth-generation Mazda3 hatchback and sedan were both unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show on 28 November 2018, and global sales began in early 2019, as the 2019 model year in North America.

With the release of the 4th generation model, the "Axela" nameplate was no longer used in the Japanese domestic market as part of Mazda's standardized global naming structure.

[82] Designed from 2015 to late 2016 under the lead of Yasutake Tsuchida, the model is slightly lower and longer than before, with its wheelbase stretched by 25 mm (1.0 in).

[83] Mazda has swapped the more sophisticated multilink independent rear suspension from its predecessor for a cheaper and more compact torsion beam setup which is claimed to improve the car's quietness, along with the added sound deadening materials.

In July 2020, the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine was added to the range, it came only as a Hatchback body style, it is available in two trim levels: i Grand Touring and Signature.

The AWD option was available except for the 1.8 Skyactiv-D.[92] The Mazda3 went on sale in Australia in April 2019, firstly as a hatchback, in 5 trim levels: Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT, and Astina.

[100] The Mazda3 went on sale in New Zealand on 1 June 2019, in both hatchback and sedan body styles, with 3 trim levels available at launch: GSX, GTX, and Limited.

[112] In October 2021, the mild hybrid versions of the Mazda3 were introduced, as a e-Skyactiv-G.[113] The Mazda3 was launched in Thailand on 18 September 2019, in both hatchback (as 'Fastback') and sedan body styles, with 3 trim levels: C, S, and SP, it is powered by a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine.

[84] Mazda introduced an all-wheel drive version of the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine for model year 2021 which is exclusively mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.