2003 Mazdaspeed Protégé Review

  The 2003 Mazdaspeed Protegé is an action-packed offshoot of the compact Protegé sedan and is the first model to wear the new Mazdaspeed badge in the United States. The initial year of Mazdaspeed Protégé production only produce 2,000 units for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The new version of the Mazdaspeed Protegé boasts a performance package led by a hot-rodded version of the stock 2.0-liter 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine. Horsepower has been bumped from the regular 130 to 170 thanks to a Garrett T25 turbocharger system designed by Callaway Cars. To help the car produce a respectable 155 lb.-ft. of torque, or 20 lb.-ft. over the stock number, Callaway integrated an air-to-air intercooler into the turbo setup. Power output is further "boosted" with the addition of a high-flow exhaust system and a larger Mazdaspeed-branded oval exhaust tip, both of which were developed for the Mazdaspeed project by Racing Beat, one of the world's leading Mazda performance companies. All of this translates into 0 to 60 times in the high 6-second range, compared with about 9-seconds for stock. This gain is remarkable and makes the Mazdaspeed Protegé almost a full second quicker than a Honda Civic Si.

Powering the Mazdaspeed Protégé

Callaway Cars Inc., which is well known for engine and systems development, has beefed up the Protegé's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an intercooled Garrett T25 turbocharger. A five-speed, close-ratio, short-throw manual gearbox is installed, along with a heavy-duty clutch and limited-slip differential. Sending that power to the pavement are 17-inch Bridgestone Potenza Z-rated unidirectional tires that feature an ultra low profile. Euro-spec, all-disc antilock brakes come with electronic brake-force distribution. Fitted with an intercooled Garrett turbocharger, the Mazdaspeed Protegé's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine develops 170 horsepower and 160 pounds-feet of torque. Its five-speed-manual transmission features close-ratio gearing and short throws to suit driving enthusiasts. Specially engineered front MacPherson struts are accompanied by a strut tower brace, higher-rate springs and revalved Tokico dampers. Racing Beat-tuned struts and a large stabilizer bar are equipped at the rear.

Driving the Mazdaspeed Protégé

 Mazda was smart with this car. It opted for aftermarket add-ons like larger, 17-inch 45-series tires; a strut tower brace up front to reduce chassis flex in turns; higher-rate springs and Tokico dampers; and beefy stabilizer bars both front and rear. This may not add up to a car that's nail-hard, which is what you expect from so-called pocket-rockets like this. Instead, you get some of the best steering feel this side of a $35,000 BMW, with amazingly neutral balance, even in the hardest turns. Again, think small BMW and you have the right idea--the Mazda will eventually give up grip in turns, but you really have to push right up to the limit. And as with the best sports sedans, alarm bells ring (from your backside and from the steering wheel) well before adhesion ends. The reworked gearbox and transmission are excellent. These were reworked to handle the increased torque of the turbocharged engine, and they are beautifully mated to the engine and to your brain--you know what gear you're in just by the sound of the engine and your rate of speed.

Mazda Protégé Design

This special Mazdaspeed Protegé exhibits a more aggressive appearance than the regular sedan, but the main differences are technical. The five-spoke 17x7-inch Racing Hart wheels are made of alloy with an aluminum Super Silver finish; they hold P215/45ZR17 tires. Racing Hart is a well-known tuner of Mazda vehicles, and the company also contributed to the chassis refinement, suspension upgrades and the car's high-performance rear muffler.

2003 Mazdaspeed Protégé Cabin

 The inside of the Protégé is larger than you might think. With the Protegé's 93 cubic feet of passenger volume, there is plenty of useable space. The rear seats also flip down 60/40, adding more functionality. It's not going to replicate a midsize station wagon or SUV, but people who discount small cars--thinking they must have an SUV instead, especially buyers in this market who can afford only small utes--ought to take heed of the sedan market as well. The Sparco organization contributed to the sedan's interior, which includes such racing-inspired components as drilled aluminum pedals with rubber inserts and an aluminum shift knob. Like the regular Protegé, the Mazdaspeed edition seats five occupants. Silver-faced analog gauges are installed. A leather-wrapped Nardi steering wheel and suedelike seat bolsters round out the distinctive features. The 450-watt Kenwood stereo system features an in-dash CD/MP3 player and six speakers, and it is prewired for an optional Sirius Satellite Radio. The unit's face turns around and disappears as a security measure.

Conclusions

Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard. The front seat belts include pretensioners with force limiters, and the rear seats come with LATCH child-safety seat anchors. For more research, read another 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege review by Automotive.com. The logic of a Mazda that starts by selling small, inexpensive cars to young buyers who can afford them--and eventually sells larger, plusher sedans like the excellent 6i and 6s, makes eminent sense. An affordable vehicle, with decent cabin space, and fun performance ability is what the Mazdaspeed Protégé is all about. For many consumers this is exactly what they are looking for. For more information about Mazda's Mazdaspeed models, visit the official Mazdaspeed site.