|
2003 Mazdaspeed Protégé
|
| Budget Blaster |
|
| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:24:30 |
| Rating |
 309 ( -28 -9.06% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
|
|
Description:
2003 Mazdaspeed Protégé
Budget Blaster
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle
2003 Mazdaspeed Protege
MSRP range: $19,980
Showroom appeal:
MP3 with juice added
Plus:
Balanced ride/handling, cabin comfort
Minus:
Dysfunctional sound system, light steering feel
The Competition:
Dodge SRT-4, Ford SVT Focus, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, MINI Cooper S
Working the corners, the car easily takes a set, but the feel through the steering wheel is light, so a calm tiller is definitely rewarded.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
Recent months have seen a bumper crop of pocket rockets buzzing into the US auto market. Mazda's latest entry into the fray is the first production model to carry the Mazdaspeed badge. The Mazdaspeed Protégé follows on the heels of last year's MP3, but with a decided power boost. In the tradition of other fast skates, chassis tweaking, turbocharging and style enhancers are combined to good effect.
Mazda didn't go it alone in hot-rodding their sub compact. They allied themselves with some well established after-market firms and shared in their combined experience in tuning technology. One such company is Racing Beat, who added their 30+ years of knowledge about goosing Mazdas to this project. Racing Beat's specific focus for the Protégé was on chassis/suspension upgrades and a low resistance exhaust system. Many platform components were re-worked to make the mini Mazda stick and stay, among them specially engineered MacPherson front struts, re-valved Tokico dampers, stiffer coil springs, a beefier stabilizer bar assembly and additional bracing for the strut towers. In back, Mazda's Twin Trapezoidal Links have been upgraded with specially tuned independent struts, coil springs and a bigger stabilizer bar. Charged with putting all of this on the pavement were wheel makers Racing Hart and tire smiths Bridgestone. A new, 17x7" five spoke alloy rim was developed for Protégé, and wrapped in unidirectional Bridgestone 215/45ZR Potenzas. Four wheel disc brakes (vented front) with four-sensor, three-channel ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution scrub off the speed. The platform package makes the Mazdaspeed admirably grippy. Working the corners, the car easily takes a set, but the feel through the steering wheel is light, so a calm tiller is definitely rewarded. Tire noise and the thunk and bump of the suspension at work provide a steady soundtrack in the cabin.
For driveline modifications, Mazda collaborated with Callaway Cars. Callaway took the 2.0 liter 16 valve 4 and fitted a Garrett T25 turbocharger. The pairing produces 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm, and 160 lb. ft. of torque @ 3,500 rpm. A limited slip differential and pumped up drive shafts improve power grounding. The five speed Mazda gearbox is supplemented by a heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate to better absorb the boost. Acceleration is more surging than silky smooth, and the engine is a little raucous at speed, but the package is effective. Low 7 second times for 0-60 are possible, and the top speed is governed at about 130. There is ample torque on hand to roll off the line easily, and the engine really wakes up above 3,000 rpm. At cruising speeds, the engine is fairly wound up - 70mph in fifth gear is 3,300 rpm. Given the velocity on tap, gas mileage is good - 24 mpg's city/30 highway.
"The Mazdaspeed Protégé was initiated by a group of Mazda Engineers here in the US who are hard-core enthusiasts. They've taken everything that made the MP3 an automotive press superstar and engineered it to the next highest level."
The interior design consultant was Sparco, who added some nice touches like drilled aluminum pedals and a slick looking, leather wrapped Nardi steering wheel. The Sparco shifter is of the low and short variety. While it has a positive feel, if you have big hands you find yourself wishing for something a little larger than the cigar stub stick provided to latch onto. The speed Protégé has a good driving position, enhanced by supportive bucket seats. The back seat provides passably comfortable transport for two adults. As with any subcompact, rear leg room is in short supply if front row riders are long of leg. The trunk measures a smallish 11 cubic feet of capacity. The opening is impeded by the overhang from the package tray, but the rear seats split and fold to help house long items. Mid dash, HVAC controls are admirably straight forward - a trio of rheostats that get the job done and do not distract. At the opposite end of the simple spectrum is the sound system. The Kenwood Excelon offers an in-dash CD/MP3 player, six speakers, an 8" subwoofer and 450 watts. Unfortunately, it wraps this in a receiver that is busy and non-intuitive. Buttons are tiny, functions are imponderable and the unit tugs at your sleeve with an incessant display of flashing lights. The Kenwood's faceplate is removable, and in fact does a little pirouette every time you turn the car on or off. If this were my car and that was my radio, I'd permanently detach the faceplate, in favor of something more user friendly.
Nicely packaged with tuner parts and offering more comfort than most in this niche, the limited edition (2,000 built) Mazdaspeed Protégé adds a performance option to the entry level end of the Mazda lineup. A noticeable notch above the car it replaces (the sticky but slower MP3), the Mazdaspeed is a solid addition to the growing fraternity of pocket rockets.
----------
----------
---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002 |
|
