The tag of Protege5 denotes a five-door format in wagon-like variation cast off the compact Protege sedan. Despite dimensions that bind this little car to the compact class, it has a low stance with wheels at the corners linked to independent suspension elements and a sturdy twin-cam engine under the hood that's capable of providing reasonable thrust to a lightweight package. And Mazda has figured out ways to inject excitement into the basically boring proposition of an economical hatchback. It snaps off the line and feels zippy at speed, thanks to a 2.0-liter four-in-line plant set at 130 hp. A manual five-speed gearbox is standard. Mazda builds it in only one trim but options include a moonroof, six-disc CD changer, plus anti-lock brakes and side-impact air bags. Essential equipment ranges from a leather-wrapped steering wheel and electronic climate system to the premium audio kit with four speakers and CD player. The optional four-speed automatic sport shifter with automatic and manual modes is new for 2003, as is a six-speaker sound system with tweeters and new silver faces on gauges in the instrument cluster.
