Mazda introduced the fourth generation of the 3/Axela at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show and was offered as a 2019 model-year worldwide.

The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the most important contenders in the compact hatchback market. It has a lot of things to offer and a few things to ask. Its name in the JDM market and China is Axela, but basically, it is the same car. It has a nice, fluid, look, called Kodo design in the Mazda's family. Now, the Mazda 3 has separated itself from the Ford's C platforms and came with its platform that features a McPherson strut up front and a semi-independent system in the rear. But even if they tried their best to make that rear suspension behave good, it is still not an independent suspension.

After Ford's era, Mazda rejoiced its freedom again and put passion back in its cars. Even though the 3 was not exactly the kind of car that should inspire some emotions, it did. And the 2013 model proved it.

Mazda took its own path after splitting with Ford due to the world financial crisis when the blue-oval brand sold most of its stakes in the Japanese carmaker.

Mazda replaced the 323 lineup with the 3/Axela in 2003 for the JDM market, and in the following year, it launched it for international customers.