The Mazdaspeed3 was designed prior to the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Ford Focus ST, and the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI.

The Mazdaspeed3 features the same turbocharged 2.3-liter MZR L3-VDT I4 engine from the Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as Mazdaspeed6 in North America and Mazda 6 MPS in Europe, South Africa, and Australia).

[citation needed]It uses the five-door hatchback body of the Mazda3, though it has extra structural bracing and subtle exterior styling differences.

Critical reception has been generally very positive, with automotive writers praising the car's balance of good performance and low cost.

The review by Edmunds.com compared the vehicle favorably to some more expensive rivals, saying "It's a lot of machine for the money and it offers the same balance of speed, practicality and value we've found previously only in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI."

The Grand Touring model (pictured) has few outwardly visible differences from the Mazdaspeed3 Sport but includes leather and lycra weave logo-embroidered racing seats, Bose stereo with 6-CD in-dash changer, automatic Xenon headlamps with manual leveling control, LED tail lights (the main visible difference), and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

[5] The Mazdaspeed3 Sport and GT both include front and side driver and passenger airbags, air-curtains, logo-embroidered racing seats, signature red-stitched seams throughout, logo sill-plates, aluminium GT-style pedals, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, automatic climate control and 18 inch by 7 inch wide aluminum alloy wheels.

The JDM Mazdaspeed Axela models retained similar features to the Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazda3 MPS, They differed by all models featuring keyless entry and start, automatic Xenon headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and LED tail lights, with the options for the Bose stereo and/or the Leather and Alcantara seats and doorcards.

[7] A functional hood scoop was added to allow for a denser charge to the top-mounted intercooler while also keeping heat soak to a minimum, a common complaint with the 1st generation Mazdaspeed3.

[citation needed] The newer generation MZR engine contained updated pistons with a "dish" around the spark plug area.