The Mazda 3 Hatchback is a compact car manufactured by the Japanese car maker. to 2006 figures, this model came in at Number 2 for sales in Canada. Israelis love the Mazda 3 too, as evidenced by the fact that it was the best selling vehicle in that country from 2005-2007. As a result of these very encouraging sales numbers, Mazda is taking steps to beef up production of this model at both the Hofu 1 and 2 factories to keep up with the demand, which is currently at approximately 300,000 annually.

The Mazda 3 is available in different engine specifications, depending on the market. North American buyers can choose between a 2.0 L, 45 hp engine or a 2.3 L, 16 hp engine. Mazda 3 buyers in Japan had the choice of a 1.5 L, 113 hp engine, a 2.0 L, 150 hp engine, or a 2.3 L, 178 hp version. City drivers can expect to get 23 mpg and 31 mpg while cruising the highway.

U.S. models of the Mazda 3 were offered with a choice of two trim levels: the i came with the 2.0 L engine, and the s had the larger, 2.3 L version. Now buyers have more options available to them; these are referred to as Touring or Grand Touring styles.

In the spring of 2008, the version of the Mazda 3 available in Britain was given a slight update that can be referred to as a facelift, as opposed to a major overhaul. For that market, trim packages are referred to as the S (which is the entry level version), the Takara (previously known as the TS), the Tamara Special Edition, the Sport and the MPS.

Five-speed manual transmissions and four-speed automatic versions are available on the Mazda 3. The 2006 model year saw the introduction of a five-speed automatic transmission on vehicles equipped with the 2.3 L engine, and this particular transmission is the standard offered to buyers in Japan who choose the 2.0 L engine.

In 2008, the Mazda 3 got another facelift that included updated designs for the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle, as well as updated materials used for the car's interior. The wheel designs were updated, and buyers could choose from a new range of colors. This latest version of the Mazda 3 will gradually be made available to buyers in all markets that Honda serves.