Base price: DX, $13,840; LX, $15,575; ES, $16,300; Mazdaspeed Protegé, $20,500
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 52/41/13
Wheelbase 102.8 in
Length/width/height 174.6–175.3/67.1/55.5 in
Turning circle 34.1 ft
Curb weight 2650–2850 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 24–25/30–31
Fuel-tank capacity/range 14.5 gal/348–363 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side (opt) airbags
POWERTRAIN
2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 130 hp; turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 170 hp; 5-sp man, 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum or disc
ABS optional
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MAZDA PROTEGÉ
Mazda’s Protegé has long figured as one of the fun-to-drive secrets of the compact class, winning our last two econobox comparison tests on the merits of its lusty 130-hp 2.0-liter four, Euro-firm chassis, roomy interior, and high-quality fit and finish. New this year is a hot-rod version, offered by the Mazdaspeed factory-tuning division. A turbocharger and an intercooler developed by Callaway Cars boosts output to 170 hp and 155 pound-feet of torque, dropping 0-to-60 times to just 6.9 seconds. A limited-slip differential is included, but torque steer attends lead-foot launches. The suspension and brakes are upgraded as well, paying dividends on a skidpad or track, while punishing occupants riding on bad roads. Priced at $20,500, it’s clearly not for everyone, and indeed only 2000 will be built. Lesser Protegés get detail changes and a manual shifting mode for the automatic.
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