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- Mazda Protege
Mazda Protege was the popular 4-door-saloon family car model that preceded the Mazda 3. It was available from 1990-2003. It has a good reputation for build quality and looks, reliability, decent handling and good value for money. Proteges are known for above average sporty handling, reliability and styling for a mid sized compact family car. Available in different styles, there were 3 main generations - 1990-1994, 1995-1998 and 1999-2003. Engines ranged from the early 1.8L SOHC 108h and later engines up to 2.0L.
The initial Protege had a 98.4-inch wheelbase. All models came with either a five speed manual or four speed automatic gearbox. As time went on the range improved considerably. A four-wheel-drive Protege was also made available. A two-door became available in 1995. Protege ES, LX and DX were the three available trims. ES comes with the 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder 122 horsepower and big front disc brakes plus quality standard specification. LX and DX were 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engines with an output of 105 hp.
Mazda Protege's roomy interior was certainly an advantage, coupled with good specification including standard dual front airbags, optional anti-lock brakes and front-side airbags, cruise control, power locks and mirrors, remote entry system. The 2.0-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine offered 130 hp. Standard for all trims was a five-speed manual transmission with optional four speed automatic transmission. Automatic transmission for the ES models came with manual shift gate for automatic/manual shifting.
2003 Mazda Protege models are some of the best. The 2003 Mazda Speed Protege delivers 170 hp combined with sport tuned suspension, sporty wheels and tyres; and advanced satellite audio system. Other features included 1,991 cc 2 litres in-line 4 front engines, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder, unleaded fuel, and multi-point injection fuel system. Fuel economy was set at 30 mpg for urban driving. Other features include 14.5 gallon main unleaded fuel tank, two disc brakes including two ventilated discs, space saver steel rim internal spare wheel, strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs. Power steering, 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and centre side, four speaker music system, ventilation system with recirculation setting were also standard. Other features included Kenwood audio system with AM/FM and CD player, cruise control, front seats cup holders fixed, door ajar warning, lockable glove compartment, two height adjustable head restraints on front seats, two head restraints on rear seats, illuminated entry system, low fuel level warning, MP3 player, tachometer and driver and passenger vanity mirror.
