2003 Mazda Protege 5 reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Mazda Protege 5 resources:
2003 Mazda Protege 5
The youth-oriented 2003 Mazda Protege 5 was designed
for first time release in 2002 to be like no other on
the market with exceptional seating, cargo capacity
and flexibility, combined with a distinctive, sporty
style that reaches out to a diverse group of consumers.
As a sporty station-wagon, the Protege 5 is a forward
thinking design that recognizes the fact that individuals
have a number of different needs, the Protege 5 can
serve equally well for a family as it does for a sales
rep who needs a reliable and spacious, but economical
and comfortable vehicle for highway traveling.
Under the Hood
The new 2003 Mazda Protegé5 is powered by a
2.0-liter four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine with 130-horsepower
at 6000rpm and 135lb-ft of torque at 4000rpm. A five-speed
manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed
electronically controlled Sport AT™ automatic transmission
is an available option.
The Protege gets a respectable 25/30mpg (city/hwy)
and has a superb suspension system with independent
MacPherson struts up front. Independent rear struts
feature Mazda's Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) design.
This year's Protegé5 has four-wheel disc brakes,
front fender-mounted side marker lamps and newly designed
16-inch alloy wheels with P195/50VR-16 all-season steel-belted
radial tires. Safety is enhanced further with dual front
airbags.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The interior will see a six-speaker sound system with
tweeters and silver gauge faces. A leather-wrapped steering
wheel, air conditioning, cruise control and a full complement
of power features are all standard equipment, while
new options include a sunroof and a six-CD-changer package.
In 2003, Laser Blue Mica emerges as the vehicles latest
color while a roof rack and fog lights add to the utility
of this timely and versatile vehicle's design.
The Mazda Protegé5 became a leader in the hatchback
market in 2002 because of its sporty look and superior
function. Now Mazda has done it again with a 2003 model
that has a host of new options like the new four-speed
electronically controlled Sport AT that allows the driver
to switch between automatic and manual shifting. With
high marks and awards from many different critical sources,
the Protege5 will not be a disappointing purchase.
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