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Summary
Automakers seeking to fill the bottom end of their product lines have come a long way from the spartan econoboxes of the past two decades. The Mazda Protege is a prime example of ever-increasing levels of refinement in base offerings. For years, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have been the kingpins of the economy car market and with good reason: They offer high-quality, reliable transportation.But even before it was redesigned, the Mazda Protege was a durable, refined offering that could compete with those standard bearers. Mazda's faith in the quality of its product can be seen in its warranty: 50,000 miles compared to the 36,000-mile coverage offered by most carmakers. And one full year after its redesign, continual refinements and a touch of style maintain the Protege's status as a seductive alternative.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Protege DX ($11,970), Protege LX ($13,245), Protege ES ($15,040) |
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Engines:
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1.8-liter, DOHC 16-valve inline-4 |
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Transmissions:
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4-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual airbags, rear door safety catch pin, triple-H body structure with side-impact protection, 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 ES ($15,040) |
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Standard Equipment:
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(ES) Air conditioning, cruise control, rear defogger, power steering, power windows/door locks/exterior mirrors, tilt steering column, AM/FM/cassette/CD 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, 15-inch alloy wheels |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Automatic transmission ($800); ES premium package ($1580) includes power moonroof, front side-impact air bags, carpeted floor mats, ABS |
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Destination Charge:
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450 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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17870 |
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Layout:
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front-engine, front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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122 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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120 @ 4000 |
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Transmission:
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4-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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24/29 |
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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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|
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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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5.6 |
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Curb weight:
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2577 |
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Tires:
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P195/55R15 |
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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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