2003.5 Mazda MAZDASPEED Protégé
06/30/2003
Shahed Hussain
The Mazdaspeed Protégé is Mazda's in-house tuner car for customers looking for the sport compact car look, with the assurance of a factory warranty. As a result, the Mazdaspeed Protégé has the requisite aftermarket upgrades: upgraded brakes, 17-inch Racing Hart alloy wheels & 235/45R17 performance tires, rear deck-mounted wing, and a 170-bhp turbocharged engine. However, with the impending introduction of the new Mazda 3, this sporty Protégé is destined to be a limited production rarity.
Engine
* Idle boom after cold start. Disappears after 2-3 minutes.
* Turbo wastegate whistle is noticeable when throttle is closed.
* Weak throttle response below 3000 RPM.
* Engine has good flexibility from 3000 RPM to redline.
* Idle surge to 2500 RPM occasionally.
* Mazda recommends turbo cool down recommended to maximize durability.
* Throaty rumble from tuned exhaust is not obtrusive at highway speeds.
Transmission
* Well-spaced ratios.
* Short throw shifter.
* Attractive polished metal shifter knob.
* Well-defined shift gates, but slighty notchy shift action.
* Lever feels mushy during shifts. Does not encourage quick shifts.
* Short shift lever is too low to reach easily. Lever needs to be higher for better access.
* Smooth, progressive clutch.
* Light clutch effort.
Interior
* Dark gray interior plastics & aluminum colored trim.
* Suede-like black fabric door inserts.
* Comfortable, supportive front seats.
* Rear seats have adequate room for 2 adults.
* Simulated carbon fiber trim around audio system.
* Aluminum color bezel around audio system and shifter console.
* Polished metal shift knob.
* Leather wrapped steering wheel with silver leather inserts.
* Silver face instruments.
* Excellent trim fits.
* Roomy trunk lined with felt fabric.
* Superb 450-watt Kenwood stereo has clean audio at high volume. Removable faceplate folds into dash to leave blank panel when not in use. Tiny buttons are difficult to use.
Exterior
* Bright yellow pearlescent paint is eye-catching and attractive.
* Tall rear wing can obstruct rear view.
* 17-inch 5-Spoke Racing Hart alloy wheels with titanium colored finish.
* Bridgestone RE040 215/45R17 tires have aggressive tread pattern.
* Front airdam with diamond mesh grille inserts.
* No foglights or HID headlights. Both features would enhance appeal to targeted buyers.
Ride & Handling
* Minimal understeer at high cornering speeds.
* Moderately high effort steering communicates road feel effectively.
* RE040 tires have tremendous grip on dry roads. Wet traction not evaluated.
* Sharp, quick turn-in response.
* Minimal roll during cornering.
* Firm spring rates & damping control suspension motion.
* Compliant ride on most surfaces, but poor roads cause tires to lose contact.
* Helical LSD maximizes tire grip and reduces wheel spin.
* Additional suspension travel would enhance grip on bumpy roads.
Pros
* Excellent turn-in response
* Eye-catching exterior color
* Excellent fit/finish
* Powerful brakes
Cons
* Turbo engine requires additional driveability refinement
* Imprecise transmission shift gates
* Weak throttle response below 3000 RPM
* More suspension travel needed for bumpy roads
With a little more development of the various aftermarket components, the Mazdaspeed Protégé could have lived up to its promise of a factory tuner car at a reasonable price. However, this Protégé feels like not enough time was spent on the powertrain to elevate it above an average tuner car. Unfortunately, since the new Mazda 3 will replace the Protégé soon, the Mazdaspeed Protégé will never get the chance to achieve its true potential.
