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Mazda Protege5
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Comments
At the Canadian International Auto Show there were spec sheets available, and my information comes from that, or from the press release announcing the model from the Mazda Canada web site.
http://www.mazda.ca/eng/atmazda/press/press2001protege.html
In Canada, they are calling it the Protege5. Basically, all of the features are the same as the (Canadian) Protege ES plus 16" alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, ABS with EBDF and what they call a rear roof spoiler. The only options available are automatic transmission, air conditioning, and power glass moonroof. It will be available in 5 colours (Sunlight Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Midnight Blue, Classic Red and Sunburst Yellow).
When I took the ES out for a test drive 2 weeks ago, the salesman said that they were expected their first 10 Protege5's in May, and that the Sunburst Yellow was NOT coming in the first shipment. But Mazda Canada has not yet announced MSRP, so I don't know how firm that date is.
It looks from the specs that the Protege5 is shorter than the sedan (4331mm vs. 4450mm) a difference of slightly less than 5 inches. I would really like to know how big the hatch area is with the front seats down (not a volume measurement, I want to know how far it is from the back of the front seats to the hatch) but I haven't been able to get that information.
For those that are interested in pictures, here are a couple of links.
http://www.velocityjrnl.com/jrnl/2002/v2kmdl2446mult.html
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/010202t-4-11.htm
In Australia this model seems to be called the Astina Sport20. There are lots of pictures here, but the model doesn't seem to be identical to the North American version (the taillights are different, in addition to the fact that Aussies drive on the left). They also seem to have more colour choices than we will have in Canada.
http://www.mazda.com.au/sp20/874.html
I hope this helps. I've been enjoying what I've been reading, and I've learned a lot. Protege owners (at least those who frequent places like this) are very passionate about their cars.
Anyway, I suspect that its further away. But, I hope not.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The spec sheet that I mentioned on the Protege5 was exactly the same as that for the 2000 Protege. There may not be a full brochure, since this is the only 2002 model that is out. Have you requested the information from the Mazda US web site? They may have something similar to what I got here.
Another thing I found, I think on the Mazda Canada site as well as others, was that the 2001 cars were in dealerships and being advertised in the newspapers before they updated the web sites from showing 2000 information to 2001. So maybe we are closer than we think.
I'd like to think so. I'm looking forward to being the proud owner of a bright red Protege5, and the sooner the better!
Still, I've received nothing. But, then again, not everybody seems to be on top of things. I also requested info about the Z-car and SER-V from Nissan a month or more ago and just 2 days ago received an automated email response that they received my request. There is speedy service for ya!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Respectfully;
Larry
Actually they define the colours as 5 youth-oriented colours. I must admit that I haven't been a youth (and never a male youth which is the group that Mazda says they are targetting with this car) for a lot of years.
I, on the other hand, have wanted a bright red car since I bought my first Tercel in 1981. The Tercel didn't come in it that year (the next year they had fire engine red, oh well). Neither of my other 2 cars would have looked right even if they came in red. So I'm happy!
Nomi
Cosmo19, I agree so far, the silver seems to be the best color for my tastes.
Larry
-Beanboy
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think that the bright blue car you are thinking of is the MP3. The ONLY pictures that I have seen of the Protege5 are yellow or red. (Except if you play with the colours on the Mazda Australia web site). The colours are listed in the Mazda Canada press release (at least the Canadian ones, but it sounds like the colour choices will be the same in both countries). The blue is very definitely stated as Midnight Blue.
I don't like the look of the car in Sunlight Silver. I played with it on the Australian site, and it just looks too much like the alloy wheels. But to each his own. ;-)
qbrozen and beanboy:
The Mazda Canada press release that I mention in my posting (#52) is where the engine information came from. The Protege5 has exactly the same engine that is in the 2001 Protege ES (and LX 2.0 for that matter). It will be the 130hp engine. Sorry if that is not what you are looking for, but it is fine for me.
Nomi
-Larry
I'm not knocking the car at all, seems to be a great little package and I love the fact wagons are coming back. Just not sure about the Mazda higher-ups making the decisions.
I understand that this is quite an exageration compared to 130hp car, but the point is valid. There is something to be said for power. My Alfa Spider is quite slow at 120 hp but you can't beat it for open-top slalom fun. The 5-door sport can't be put in that same category. I wouldn't find a wagon much fun without some real oomph behind it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
As far as the Metro that I have driven, the handling was piss poor. Mind you, I haven't spent much time in one, but road feel is not about feeling the road. It's about the contact that your car has with the road and the ability to anticipate how your car will move over the road. If I want Geo Metro road feel, I'll stick my foot out the door.
I'm buying a WRX. Its not the fastest. Its not the best handling. And it doesn't stop the quickest. But it gets high marks in ALL of those categories. And that is what its all about. That, to me, is what Zoom Zoom should mean.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
In fact, for the sticker price on the WRX, I'll sell you a Protege 5 that will turn circles around the WRX.
Btw, has anyone seen the interior features of this vehicle first hand? Any interior pics available yet?
Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks Message Board
Well, we think the mazda is going to be under $20K, but who knows? The new Axiom was supposed to be $26K fully loaded. Now that turns out to be its BASE price. Go figure.
Well, Maltb. I give up. You're just too full of extremes to be reasonable. I mention a $24K car and you mention a $240K car (or whatever it is). I mention power in a wagon, and you bring up a dinosaur (in age and size) from 1972. Good luck with your Mazda. I'm happy for ya.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Btw, while we're waiting for more information, some of you may be interested in this discussion: Please introduce yourself! where you can say hello to Tocan: another another Mazda 5 door Sport enthusiast... that's "anxiously awaiting" price information.
Thanks for your participation. ;-)
Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks/Station Wagons Message Boards
Okay, I'll admit that I'm a soobie lover. I would just like Mazda to get back in gear and stop having the Miata as a crutch. The TRibute helps, but I still don't understand the zoom-zoom ad with it flying around with Miatas. Let's show people what NOT to do with an SUV, tehe.
As far as the Mazda 5 Door Sport, if they can hold the price to 17K loaded, it will be a decent deal, although it will certainly butt heads with the Focus wagon which incidently has 130HP as well (and no manual in the US), which is something else I don't understand. Shouldn't Mazda and Ford be sharing chassis and engines? Focus certainly has gotten enough good press. Slap on a new body, change the suspension a bit and voila! Mazda 5 door sport. Offer it with a manual and perhaps a slightly higher output 2.0L, and it would be good to go.
"Its everything" and "its all about balance" is the same thing. You can't be well balanced if you don't take ALL aspects into account. If you accel in one category but are poor in another, than you aren't well balanced.
The OBS is a good comparison. Comparable audience. And the added power and all wheel drive are huge bonuses. And $18,5 keeps it in the neighborhood of the Mazda. I think the Mazda is cooler looking, but looks aren't everything (although they help).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
you: "Its everything"
I took it you meant 0-60 was everything. Guess not.
Leo
hkchan - right, I didn't mean that 0-60 meant everything. Sorry, my fault. I meant that as if to say "zoom zoom is not only about 0-60, it is everything." I was agreeing with maltb and adding to it.
moving on...
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
If the MSRP is $16,985, then it's $1,450 more than the ES.
Yep, those options will add up pretty quick.
Figure with the I options I'd want(automatic, ABS/side air bags, casette player), I could easly hit the 19 grand mark.
Leo
Auto.........800
ABS..........800
Cassette......150
------------------
.........$18,085 want one?
thanks.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
maltb, can I assume that I still need to add freight ($480)? So it's "only" $800 (MSRP) more than a regular ES. And it's released as a 2002 model. I may want to get that instead of the ES, but then with no rebate, it's more like $1,500 more.
Also, if I go by the Edmunds comparison, and assuming that the hatch versions are comparable to the sedan versions, the Mazda should be a better car. Anyone driven either car much to provide some insight on this? I am thinking of driving the two sedan versions to see if I notice much difference.
Supposedly, the Elantra wagon/hatchback's suspension is firmer than the sedan's.
Leo
This question has been asked several times and I haven't seen a response yet.
We've got numbers listed in this topic so far of $16,985 and $16,335. And there has also been many comments that the prices haven't even been determined yet. What is the real answer? And, if you know the answer, WHERE did you get it from?
Thanks
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Nomi
Concerning the Elantra:
Hmmm, Hyundai vs. Mazda? You expect the same MSRP? I guess you would have to expect the same level of quality.