Mazda Protegé

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Comments

  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Yes you're a pretty reasonable guy on the News and Views. As for those two, they're too much for me.

    Dinu
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    Oh believe me, Teo can drive me nuts at times! To much "rah rah go GM" for me.

    Thanks for the comment dinu. I'm going to stop by the doctor and have my butt sewn back on after the [non-permissible content removed] chewing I took in here.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    http://www.mazdausa.com/mazdaspeed/default.asp?vehicle=&zip=&did=&state=

    And yes, black mica and SPICY ORANGE will be the colors, darn I wish they had it in titanium gray, like on the Special Edition Miata this year :(
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Speedypt and I saw that titanium gray dealy at the Chicago Auto show....VERY cool color.

    Much better than what Jim calls 'Yams Mica.' :)
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    Born in Atlanta, grew up in Central Florida moved to lovely Oklahoma City by the military.

    Your right, probably should move along. When's the new version of the Pro coming out? Also, are you guys happy that Mazda's in charge of designing all new 4 cylinders for the makes owned by Ford? I heard Cosworth would aid in the design of the engines. Not bad help to have at all if that part is true.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Why only 170 hp? - cause they kept the basic NA 2.0 intact, as far as I can tell, complete with original 9.1:1 compression ratio, and strapped on a turbo (plus no doubt a re-programmed PCM - yes, intercooler and exhaust too). If you want more power with a factory garauntee of reliability, you'd have to at least lower the compression ratio, and probably beef up internals. The way they've done it is no doubt cheaper, and we've been speculating that it also provides a nice factory kit for upgrades to existing Pros.

    This is a fairly modest gain from a turbo upgrade, but Mazda really can't let this car get too terribly expensive.

    As far as the transmission ratios, they are identical to the 5-speeds already on Pros. As far as I can tell, it is the same exact tranny. Another cost saver, and another reason why a factor kit for existing Pros would be fairly easy.

    As far as 1/4 mi times, I'm guessing maybe high 15's, low 16's. Just a guess, of course.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Atlanta, Cenral FL, OK city...and I've never been south of St. Louis :)
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    we lived in the city of North Chicago when my father was in the Navy. Not the nicest town around!
  • protegenicprotegenic Member Posts: 199
    My previous post was not really directed towards any comments you had made. I apologize if it seemed like it was. I would say as a whole, we are a pretty enthusiastic lot here, which makes a wonderful target for some to come in here and stir us up. Luckily Pat is here to keep it under control. Your point was well taken, and you are correct, the Pro is not the end all be all car out there, but it is pretty good for what it is!

    As for double clutching, from what I read, when down-shifting, depress the clutch and shift into neutral and let the clutch out. Lets say you are in 4th at 3500 rpm when you do this. From experience you know you will be at lets say 4500 rpm after the downshift. So the trick is trying to up your revs to 4500 while depressing the clutch again and shifting into 3rd. Done right, everything syncs up perfectly and instead of feeling the initial deceleration from downshifting, you already are at the right engine speed and thus just zoom zoom away with authority!

    Done wrong, well, you either cause a huge grinding sound as you mistime everything or your engine revs wildly while you are in neutral. It kinda sounds like Paul learning to drive a stick (j/k)! BTW, I practiced this at really low rpm.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    for the Mazdaspeed Protege, according to the press release. It better be the best god-darn sports compact out there, that price puts them in a whole different car class....
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    I'm hoping it is well under. Given it's specs, I don't think Mazda wants the MS3 priced too closely to another sport compact with a factory turbo, and AWD (you know the one). That would draw too many frankly unwanted comparisons.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    ..you're right, North Chicago totally sucks. Hope you actually made it into the city a few times while you were living there :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That was mean! :) Nah, just kidding. It was pretty funny.

    I actually tried to learn to drive a stick once, on a friend's 1995 Chevy S-10 truck. I stalled 23 times in a distance of like 8 blocks. That was the last time I tried. :)
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    ABSOLUTELY NO OFFENSE TO ANYBODY WHO CURRENTLY LIVES IN NORTH CHICAGO...I haven't been through there in quite a few years...I'm sure they've made great strides towards turning it into the SHINING BEACON OF THE MIDWEST.

    Whew...boy, this not p***ing people off stuff is hard work.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    My first car OF MY OWN was a 1978 Toyota Corolla I purchased in February 1985. My dad drove me over to pick it up from this guy on his lunch hour. He dropped me off -- this was about 10 miles from home -- and said, "Have fun!" I stood there like, "Wait a minute!" But he drove off. It was just me and the 'Yota. Sure, I stalled a few times. But by evening I was a stick-shiftin' fool!

    (Actually I think my dad did that to me to get me back for the Molson-Volvo Incident.)

    Meade
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    uh meade, as someone that drives a stick for so long, is that good or bad for a first-timer? ;)

    btw my next car WILL be a manual, seems like I'm missing out on the fun :D
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Methinks Paul may be exaggerating just a wee tad there.

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    No I am not exaggerating one bit. I sware, I did stall 23 times. I got stuck in the middle of this street (not uphill) and could not get going. My friend was like, "rev the car to 1500rpm, let out the clutch, and then push the gas". It did not work for me, it kept stalling and stalling. The engine light even came on in the truck. I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it was something bad apparently. :)
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    As part of the press release on Mazda's US site for Mazdaspeed, under Mazdaspeed parts, the statement is made that Mazda will eventually sell Mazdaspeed performance parts and accessories in the US. No mention of any specifics (time frames, parts), but given our discussions already, the turbo kit is a natural, as is the way the MS3 turbo is set up.

    It all comes together, then ... the fact that the MS3 only makes 170 hp. Mazda is setting itself up to go after sport compact tuners, showcasing their bolt-on turbo kit first on a limited production car. I'd bet (hope?) new internals through Mazdaspeed parts will follow to up the power.
  • protegenicprotegenic Member Posts: 199
    My first car was a '69 Mustang with a 3sp manual. I stalled that sucker so many times when I first got it, it was downright embarassing. It had the touchiest clutch I have ever seen. I remember one time after filling up my car at the only gas station in the little town where I lived, I stalled that thing probably fifteen times before I left the station! Of course it was the local hang out so most of my friends were there to mock me!

    So Paul, keep the faith and try again sometime. I think Meade should teach you at MAPP III.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    I highly doubt Meade will let Paul drive his Pro!for obvious and not so obvious(or is it?) reasons ;D
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Thanks, but I think I will just stick with my Tiptronic. That's enough "manual" for me. :)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    There, that oughta start a conversation.

    Meade
  • protegenicprotegenic Member Posts: 199
    But I just wanted something to get Meade cranked up with today!
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    ...if you have one to celebrate.

    I'm off to run errands in the PROTEGE.

    --Dale
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    I love driving manual (although there are times when its aggravating, but not enough to get rid of it completely.) Plus, I like being able to get other options like a sunroof rather than paying $800 for the auto box. Its not for everyone though. I do think that everyone should know how to drive stick, just in case and for the sake of knowledge.

    I'm sort of dissapointed the MS3. First of all, that orange color is awful. I do think the power output is just fine though. I was hoping that they would make it a trim level as part of the regular Protege, or at the very least make the 2.0T an optional engine on the lineup. Not some special edition, only X number of cars built. You know, a car you can actually go into a dealership and see. Its actually available to buy if you're not a celebrity or something. Also that wing on the back is overdone, big time.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    We've been the #1 topic in Town Hall for THREE STRAIGHT DAYS.

    We all must have very cushy jobs/no jobs/been fired from jobs because we spend so much time on Town Hall :D
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    I prefer to drive manual but the cost is also a factor. It's really what allowed me to justify the cost of the sunroof on my P5.

    My funny A vs. M story. Go to dealer, tell him I want a manual. He tells me how trade-in value is much better with the automatic. I ask him how much is the automatic option. $800 he replies. I ask him how much more would you give me at trade-in vs. the manual. $400 he replies. So I say, you want me to spend $800 now, to get $400 then. So I'm still out $400. He looks at me with a quizzical stare.......
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "Apart from the tires, there is NO difference in the way the susp. is different in the LX and ES."

    Are you sure? IIRC, the ES has different stablilizer bars/anti-roll bars.
  • nematodenematode Member Posts: 448
    At $25k it's way out of its league. The MS3 better come in around $21k or below with its current stats. Dont forget that an RSX with leather is around $21k and the Type -S variant is $23k. The Subaru RS (which people forget about) is $21k FULLY LOADED and brings a normally aspirated 165hp and AWD to the table. Just above would be the WRX and Lancer EVO which are $25k. I drove the MP3 and it was nice but another 30hp is still not going to get it in the same league as the others. They need to price it around $20-21k max or $3000 more than the MP3.

    Lets say the MS3 comes in $21k. Even at that number the Subaru RS and RSX are better deals. I bet the MS3 is a little quicker than the Subaru probably not the RSX.
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    It has been almost 1 month since my spouses' auto tranny transplant. I'm delighted to announce the car has been perfect. I'm very grateful for Maltb's support. U the "MAN", Malty.

    I would like to wish everyone, a very safe Easter weekend and a very holy Good Friday.

    God Bless,
    Larry
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    For those that have Speed Channel, here's the broadcast schedule of the Touring Car and GT races. The race was held 3/15 at 12 Hours of Sebring:

    http://www.speedvisionwc.com/news/02press28.html

    In case you guys don't know, there are A LOT of Mazda Proteges entered and racing in the Touring Car class, including a yellow P5!

    now go set your VCRs!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Same back to you, my friend!

    Well, it's been a whole two days since I got the Protege (er, "Zoomster") back from TED (The Evil Dealership). I can proudly say that my Protege feels darn near better than new. I just cannot believe how smoothly it's running at 35,000 miles now! The engine seems quieter than it ever has -- maybe they've got some new kind of plugs in there or something! And power? Man, is he fast now!

    ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!! 69 and sunny -- a real spring day here in Richmond!

    Meade
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Hank, I'm gonna race right over to the coin operated car wash, RIGHT NOW! Then I'm going check out the http://www.speedvisionwc.com/news/02press28.html


     schedule. Thank you brother! :-)


    -love train

  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    In their press releases, Mazda speaks again and again to how well the MP3 was received, and how this car will handle just as well but more power. They also say that this car is for the "true enthusiast" .. who realizes performance is about balance and not just brute strength.

    Obviously they are trying to play the Mazda card of balance and handling before power. They skirt the issue of how fast it will be and give the usual car ad double speak about outstanding power, class leading acceleration, blah blah blah, as if saying it makes it true.

    Really, the whole Pro lineup is this way, as well as the Miata, 626 - handling prowess over power. In my Pro ES, I found that the cars price and handling outweighed its "lack" of power. For the Miata, the thing handles so well and the price is, again, good for its class, that once again folks overlook its average amount of power for the rest of the package.

    Push the price up too high on any of these vehicles and folks, myself included, won't overlook the lack of power in light of the competition in its price range. If the Mazdaspeed Pro goes much over 20k ...

    We shall have to wait and see just how good this car really is, Mazda double talk aside - and we already know quite a bit about how it will handle from the MP3 = very well, but again - the asking price will be key.

    The other thing to consider is that the MS3, as a special edition vehicle, will go at MSRP. The WRX, a series production vehicle, goes for considerably less than MSRP.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I watched my weekly show "MotorWeek" last night. I had to laugh when they reviewed the 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Usually they flood their tested cars with compliments, but this one began with a description of Hyundai's track record since arriving in the U.S. in 1986, and ... (the following is a transcript from their web site):

    "Today, Hyundai offers six model ranges, including the redesigned Sonata sedan, all with the longest warranties in the business: 5 years/60,000 miles on the vehicle, and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain. But is a great warranty enough reason to buy a new Sonata? We don't think so."

    Meade

    P.S. Please note I am not slamming Hyundai here. I'm merely repeating what my favorite car show said about the Sonata -- nothing personal!
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Meade, hey "I'm picken up what your puttin down" brother! ;-) A very nice day in Lancaster, PA. I'm back in love with both my smooth as "butttttter" Protege's at 36,000 mile X two!

    BTW, send my love to Tammy and Sean!

    -Larry
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Larry, have you had your 30K-mile services on your Proteges? If so, did you notice a difference too?

    Meade
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    I agree. As much as I like the Protege I'm not sure even I would pay that kind of money just to get a "special edition" Protege. I think that's the real problem. All the other cars you mentioned are regular production cars, not special editions. I don't know, that's just my thoughts. I would take a WRX over spicy orange a Protege in that price range. I just wish the 2.0LT was just made an optional engine on the ES and P5. I'm glad they're making it an add on dealer part eventually though. That should be good.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    it's hilarious how they opened up their review on the Sonata by putting it in a hole with some negative comments about the brand's past and then trying to climb out of it through the review :D

    Oh yeah, if you want to catch the newest Motorweek every week, check out their TV station list at http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/stationlist.shtml

    Usually the ones on Speed Channel are reruns, new ones are usually broadcasted on local public stations, in your case it would be WCVW/57 Saturdays @ 6:30 pm
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Have you ever noticed how certain car magazines will never say anything really negative about any vehicles? There is one in particular, for which I cancelled my subscription, that also shifts the vehicles it reviews constantly in an attempt to stay up with whatever is popular. Right now that's means lots of SUV reviews - yet another reason to cancel my subscription.

    I understand the desire not to anger any car manufacturers, and trying to pick up the random new subscriber by keeping up with what is hot, but some really over-do it.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I think that's an awful lot for what's going to be a dressed up economy car. If they would make the car a baby "Audi" like ride, then I could see spending that much on it. If not, they can keep it.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    remember that the Evo VII and WRX come from more humble underpinnings as well. I'd hope it would come in for under $21K though as well. (for at least what they're showing for power).
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That's true about the EVO and WRX. But people have said about the WRX's somewhat cheap interior for its price too. The same is said about the new Altima (though it's not in the same class). They said the interior is fine in the $21K S, but cheap in the ~$28K 3.5SE models. The same might happen with the Protege if they price it for $25K. I know I would want the interior to at least be competitive with VW (dare I say?!?) before paying $25K for the car.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    (for me) it just depends on the performance and handling. If the money is being dumped into performance rather than interior, I can live with that. If they're charging a lot more money than what's being put into the car, that's when I have a problem. For what's being shown, I'd say no more than $21K (Which would still fit in that under $25K market). Since Mazda falls under Fords control, It would be nice if they could match or beat the SVT Focus's handling and have more power. Say 200 to 220 horsepower. You could charge more and not have two of your niche products go head to head. (My opinion)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Thanks for the info ... you are to be commended for your research -- but I already knew that, and I watch it on PBS on Saturday evenings when I get the chance. (But I usually don't, since that's right smack in the middle of going-out-on-the-town time on Saturday evening, so I'm thankful SpeedVision has the reruns on Thursday evenings.)

    $25K for a suped-up Protege? I agree ... for that I'm gonna wait and get myself a 2005 Mazda 6 to replace my (by then) 5-year-old, 100,000-mile Protege!

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Never thought about that. The Focus SVT has 170hp as well, with natural aspiration of the ZTEC engine, and comes with a 6-speed tranny to boot. Its price is only $17,995 though. There are Proteges on lots right now (mainly ES and P5 models) that are going for more than that though. Seems strange to me.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I agree with that thought. The 6 is suppose to be a really nice car. I can't wait to be able to see/sit in one at the NYIAS next weekend. I might even have to come back to Mazda in the future (in 5 years when my car's paid off) if the 6 is as good as everyone's saying it's suppose to be.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    What about the MAPP III plans? Email me at work with some details before COB today.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    the SVT doesn't have a LSD though. With that, it seems to me Mazda could afford to put a little more power to the ground. Think they're being a little conservative with the boost?
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