2002 Mazda Protegé 5 - More Sport Than Wagon
If you know a thing or two about cars, you've probably had a friend ask you, "Which new car should I buy?" After all, with well over 250 models of cars, light trucks and SUVs in the Canadian market, buying a new vehicle can be confusing. Fortunately, my colleague has actually narrowed her choices down to two models. Unfortunately, they are both so good it will be a difficult decision. One consideration is the Acura 1.7 EL while the other is a Mazda Protegé 5. Her choice of these two cars seemed strange at first, as I've always considered Acura a premium brand and Mazda, with exception to the fabulous Millennia, not. That said, by my friend's interpretation, the new Protegé 5 has acquired premium brand status - and after living with one for a week, it's not hard to appreciate why.
With dynamic handling, sporty acceleration and exclusive styling, the 4-door Protegé is one of the best in its compact sedan class. It is further enhanced for 2002 with the introduction of the MP3 model that includes a slight boost in horsepower, aero add-ons and an MP3 audio system. The new Protegé 5 includes 16" alloy wheels and shares the MP3's lower profile tires, racy aerodynamic body cladding and large round fog lamps while adding a trendy sport wagon profile. The fact that it comes in this year's hottest colour, yellow, only adds to its desirability.
The Protegé 5's quality execution and fine attention to detail inside the cabin exudes a premium brand ambience. Attractive soft touch plastics receive a perforated treatment highlighted by faux carbon fiber and aluminum-look accents. Mazda has fitted the 5 with other upscale features such as a dash-mounted CD player, cruise control, tilt steering, power windows with driver's side express down feature, as well as power mirrors and locks with remote access. Its few options include air conditioning, power glass moonroof and 4-speed automatic transmission. White face gauges house a tachometer, contrasting the all-black interior of my test car. Also, adjustable driver and passenger seats hug your mid-section with excellent lateral support, important for holding you in place on the winding roads that lay ahead.
If you know a thing or two about cars, you've probably had a friend ask you, "Which new car should I buy?" After all, with well over 250 models of cars, light trucks and SUVs in the Canadian market, buying a new vehicle can be confusing. Fortunately, my colleague has actually narrowed her choices down to two models. Unfortunately, they are both so good it will be a difficult decision. One consideration is the Acura 1.7 EL while the other is a Mazda Protegé 5. Her choice of these two cars seemed strange at first, as I've always considered Acura a premium brand and Mazda, with exception to the fabulous Millennia, not. That said, by my friend's interpretation, the new Protegé 5 has acquired premium brand status - and after living with one for a week, it's not hard to appreciate why.With dynamic handling, sporty acceleration and exclusive styling, the 4-door Protegé is one of the best in its compact sedan class. It is further enhanced for 2002 with the introduction of the MP3 model that includes a slight boost in horsepower, aero add-ons and an MP3 audio system. The new Protegé 5 includes 16" alloy wheels and shares the MP3's lower profile tires, racy aerodynamic body cladding and large round fog lamps while adding a trendy sport wagon profile. The fact that it comes in this year's hottest colour, yellow, only adds to its desirability.
The Protegé 5's quality execution and fine attention to detail inside the cabin exudes a premium brand ambience. Attractive soft touch plastics receive a perforated treatment highlighted by faux carbon fiber and aluminum-look accents. Mazda has fitted the 5 with other upscale features such as a dash-mounted CD player, cruise control, tilt steering, power windows with driver's side express down feature, as well as power mirrors and locks with remote access. Its few options include air conditioning, power glass moonroof and 4-speed automatic transmission. White face gauges house a tachometer, contrasting the all-black interior of my test car. Also, adjustable driver and passenger seats hug your mid-section with excellent lateral support, important for holding you in place on the winding roads that lay ahead.