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Summary
Every couple of years, one of the automakers designs a new compact car to test the strength of car buyers' brand loyalty. This year, it's the Protege's turn to play the seducer's role.For years, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have been the kingpins of the economy car market, and with good reason: They offer a high-quality, reliable, durable product. But even before it was redesigned, the Protege represented a high-quality car that could compete with the Civic and Corolla. The Mazda comes with a 50,000-mile warranty, compared to the 36,000-mile coverage offered by most carmakers. Now, with all of its improvements--from interior space to ride quality to quietude to handling--the Protege has earned the right to be dubbed one of the best in its class.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Engines:
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1.6-liter dohc 16v inline-4 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed manual |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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Dual airbags, rear door safety catch pin, triple-H body structure, load-limiter front seat belts |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Hiroshima, Japan |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Protege LX |
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Standard Equipment:
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mirrors, tilt steering column, AM/FM/cassette stereo, remote trunk-lid and fuel-door release, reclining front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, tinted glass, 60/40 fold-down split rear seatbacks, wheel covers |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Air conditioning, carpeted floor mats |
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Destination Charge:
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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14725 |
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Layout:
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Front wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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105 @ 5500 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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107 @ 4000 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed manual |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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29/34 |
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Wheelbase:
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102.8 |
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Length/width/height:
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174/67.1/55.5 |
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Track, f/r:
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57.9/57.9 |
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Turning circle:
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34.1 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.3/NA/42.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.4/NA/35.4 |
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Cargo volume:
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12.9 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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Curb weight:
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2449 |
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Tires:
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P185/65SR14 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/drum (ABS optional) |
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Fuel capacity:
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13.2 |
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