![]() ![]() The MP3 sedan includes a Nardi three-spoke steering wheel and MazdaSpeed lightweight pedals, and the Proteg� has a shorter gearshift lever. White-faced instruments and a new modular audio system with a CD player are standard, and a new center console includes covered storage. A split, folding rear seat supplements the 13.2-cubic-foot trunk space.Īir conditioning is optional on the DX sedan and standard on other models. Interior volume amounts to 92.6 cubic feet, and it has adequate rear legroom and headroom for adult passengers. As a result of what Mazda calls OptiSpace design, the Proteg� can actually accommodate the five passengers that it claims to hold. This is one of the roomier small cars on the market. MP3 models are finished in Laser Blue or Vivid Yellow. The MP3 sedan features a large front air dam with integrated driving lights, side sill extensions, a large rear spoiler and low-profile tires on special Racing Hart 17-inch wheels. New body-colored mirrors go on the LX and ES, and a power moonroof is available. Alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, but 15-inch wheels are optional on the DX model. A black-chrome grille, fog lights and a rear spoiler are part of the DX, LX and ES sedans. What Mazda describes as ∾uropean-inspired styling emerged from a collaboration among designers in Europe, Japan and California. Slightly longer than the Honda Civic, the Proteg� has a 102.8-inch wheelbase and measures 175.3 inches long overall. Meanwhile, Mazda continues to promote itself as a sporty car company, using its zoom-zoom advertising theme. Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda. Each 2002 vehicle benefits from a reinforced body/chassis structure, and a new modular audio system with a standard CD player is installed in all sedans.Ī redesign isnt likely until 2004, but when it does occur, the Ford Focus platform may possibly be used. The 1.6-liter engine, previously standard on the DX sedan, has been dropped. Only 1,500 units were built initially, and they were sold out before they reached the United States, but Mazda is considering bringing back the MP3 later in the 2002 model year.Įxcept for the MP3, all models now use a 130-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine designed by Mazda. The MP3 also is fitted with a high-output 140-horsepower engine and a number of performance-oriented components from racing suppliers. Now, Mazda is helping to revive the small hatchback body style with its new Proteg�5 sport wagon, launched as an early 2002 model.ĭuring the 2001 model year, Mazda introduced another variant of the Proteg�, dubbed MP3 to denote its Kenwood audio system. The Mazda Protege lineup is a long-time favorite of ours, and the Protege5 version deserves the attention of people looking for a unique commuter wagon with spicy style and a good reliability record.The Proteg� sedan received a front-end face-lift for 2001. Enhanced by a taut and well-damped suspension, the Protege5 is the "driver's car" of economy wagons. Credit goes to the first-rate steering system that provides gobs of feedback, perfect weighting and no on-center dead spot. On the road, the Protege5 is a bit louder than expected, but it does provide an excellent drive. Inside, Mazda carries over the Protege's center stack design, seat and trim fabric, modular audio system and the 60/40-split folding rear seatback with a double folding function. There's also a proper Germanic front-passenger door grip, nicely padded upper door panels where elbows often rest, lots of storage nooks and crannies, a large rear seat and a cargo area that easily triples the sedan's 12.9-cubic-foot trunk when the rear seats are folded down. Inside, the firm seats are comfortable, and the driving position is excellent, with a thick steering wheel rim to grip and a well-placed dead pedal for the left foot. In wagon guise, the car also comes with front and rear spoilers, lower rocker-panel side sills, a roof-mounted antenna, a roof rack, front fog lamps and a rear roof spoiler. The attractive 16-inch brushed-aluminum wheels go a long way toward giving the Mazda an upscale appearance, as do the jewel-like headlight reflectors, angular taillights and chrome accents. The Protege5 is one of the best-looking economy wagons on the market, as it shares the front-end styling, grille, hood, fenders and headlights with the sedan. The Protege5 has added seating and cargo flexibility, combined with sporty styling that reminds us of the Lexus IS 300 SportCross wagon.Īll Protege5s get a 2.0-liter engine that makes 130 horsepower. The Protege sedan has been an appealing choice in this segment for the past three years and now this model becomes even tastier with the addition of a sport wagon to the lineup. ![]()
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