The Mazda Axela (known as the Mazda 3 outside of Japan) is a compact car manufactured in Japan by the Mazda Motor Corporation. It was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the Mazda Familia (Mazda 323 or Protegé in export markets). A more performance-oriented version of the Mazda 3 is marketed as Mazdaspeed3 in North America and Mazda 3 MPS in Europe.
A second generation Mazda 3 for the 2010 model year was unveiled in late 2008, with the sedan premiering at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the hatchback at the Bologna Auto Show.