With vast success in a host of markets, the Mazda3, known in Japan as the Mazda Axela, was originally introduced at the end of 2003 as a replacement for the Mazda 323 (also known as the Mazda Protégé and the Mazda Familia). The original Mazda3 design was based on the Ford C1 platform, also common in cars such as the Ford Focus and the Volvo S40. It was originally available as a four-door saloon or a five-door hatchback. In 2006, the Mazda3 MPS was introduced designed to compete in the sports car sector. Indeed the Mazda3 itself underwent a facelift in 2007 with several new exterior colours made available.