While 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque barely seem adequate on paper, the engine feels exciting under acceleration. This go-fast feeling might have more to due with its racy leather steering wheel and smooth shifting 5-speed manual transmission (with leather shift knob) than it does with rapid forward movement. Under closer scrutiny its 0 - 100 km time of just under 10 seconds clearly isn't sportscar fast. That said if mere acceleration were the only defining point of a sports sedan (or sport wagon), yesteryear's BMW 2002 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Super would hardly qualify either. Similarly to these classics, the Protegé 5 truly shines when long sweeping curves become short, tight corners.
So, what makes it such an excellent handling car? The 5 comes standard with direct response rack-and-pinion steering and a compliant yet firm suspension system that includes front and rear stabilizer bars. This, as well as rigid body construction and the aforementioned wheel and tire package, result in very little body lean and a skidpad rating of almost 8 G's. Yahoo! To keep the good times in check, disc brakes at all four corners include ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
While fun, the Protegé 5 is practical too. The rear seats fold 60/40 making room to haul longer items, easily accessible through the lifting tailgate. Additional storage can be found in a bin under the centre armrest as well as in the door pockets and glove box.
Just by outward appearances it's easy to see why my colleague has the Protegé 5 on her list - it looks fabulous. Premium fit and finish and a host of standard features make it even more desirable. Alas, Mazda has made the tough choice of buying a new car even harder.
So, what makes it such an excellent handling car? The 5 comes standard with direct response rack-and-pinion steering and a compliant yet firm suspension system that includes front and rear stabilizer bars. This, as well as rigid body construction and the aforementioned wheel and tire package, result in very little body lean and a skidpad rating of almost 8 G's. Yahoo! To keep the good times in check, disc brakes at all four corners include ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
While fun, the Protegé 5 is practical too. The rear seats fold 60/40 making room to haul longer items, easily accessible through the lifting tailgate. Additional storage can be found in a bin under the centre armrest as well as in the door pockets and glove box.
Just by outward appearances it's easy to see why my colleague has the Protegé 5 on her list - it looks fabulous. Premium fit and finish and a host of standard features make it even more desirable. Alas, Mazda has made the tough choice of buying a new car even harder.