Mazda has released UK pricing for its updated compact hatchback that's available for orders now. The 2012 Mazda3 starts from £13,495 for the 1.6 TS model, however, the price includes a special £2,300 saving that ends on March 31. The regular OTR price will then be £14,795.

The revised five-door Mazda3 has improved aerodynamics (Cd 0.29) and is distinguished on the outside by the tweaked front fascia, new rear bumper and twist-spoke alloy wheels.

It may not have the same international flavor as the Tokyo Motor Show, but the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will take place in Chiba, Japan, from January 13 to 15, is nevertheless an event that will draw the attention of all Japanese car manufacturers.

Mazda was the first to announce its line-up for the auto salon, led by the new CX-5 that will be launched in Japan next spring. The new compact-size crossover will be shown in two versions: the standard model, and a customized special edition sporting red bodywork color, matte-black alloy wheels and a slightly lower ride height.

China isn’t the only market where carmakers are currently expanding. Mazda, for example, is already producing the Mazda2 in Vietnam and will also produce the Mazda2 and Mazda3 in a new factory it is building in Mexico.

Today, the Japanese company announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OJSC Sollers for the establishment of a new joint venture plant in Russia.

It might not be the best of quality, but this is one crazy video with an even more insane driver. Allow us to explain. The clip shows a Mazda3 sedan as it was being picked up by a tow truck's crane – perhaps for a parking violation or something of the sort.

Nothing weird about that. Well, not until you pay closer attention and see the Japanese model's brake lights going on and off and the wheels spinning – yes, the driver is inside the car and he's trying to break free from the metal claws!

Power is the name of the game when it comes to UK tuning firm BBR that has just released a newly developed range of engine and suspension upgrade packages for the Mazda3 and Mazda6 MPS models (named MAZDASPEED3 and MAZDASPEED6 respectively in North America).

Since the two Mazda models are powered by the same 2.3-liter turbocharged four-pot, BBR's engine kits apply to both vehicles.

In order to keep up with the growing demand in the Central and South American markets as well as to reduce its dependence on Japan, Mazda has formed a new joint venture Sumitomo Corporation to build a new factory hub in Mexico.

The joint venture facility is named Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (MMMdM) and is located in the Mexican city of Salamanca, in the state of Guanajuato.

Touting the first North American application of Mazda's new fuel-efficient and performance-oriented technologies branded under the Skyactiv name, the refreshed 2012 Mazda3 has arrived in U.S. showrooms.

Available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, the 2012 Mazda starts at $15,200 (all prices listed here do not include a $795 destination charge).

Making its European debut alongside the all-new CX-5 compact crossover in Frankfurt is the facelift version of the Mazda3.

The updated C-segment model, which is available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback derivatives, features some minor cosmetic touches in the form of a reworked front end with a different bumper and grille design, new alloy wheels and a restyled rear bumper.