REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A sure value

"Happy people lead uneventful lives", to paraphrase a French saying, and that’s exactly the case for the Protegй. Since it’s revamping in 2000, this model has enjoyed enormous success with consumers looking for an economical and roomy automobile. In light of such a positive glow, it isn’t surprising that Mazda decided to make small trim changes.The Protegй justifiably boasts that it’s roomier than any of its rivals. Given current and future government regulations with regard to passive safety devices, more particularly crash resistance, the new generation has dropped a few centimetres here and there and as a result, a few millimetres less room inside, but not enough to start worrying about the competition.

The Protegй offers easy access for passengers and driver alike and the ideal driving position is easy to find. Whoever gets behind the wheel is most comfortable aboard the ES (and yes, we know it’s more expensive). It’s also the only version to offer a height-adjustable seat. Still, the first few minutes travelling in the Protegй are fine, but after a while front-seat passengers will begin to feel the effects of the metal frame that runs from the bottom of the seat to shoulder height.

Now for a look at the dashboard, which falls a bit short of offering truly detailed instrumentation (you can’t find a tachometer on this model unless you go for the LX version).

Main controls are within easy reach for the driver, but not all of them are easy to use. For example, air conditioning controls are far too small to use if you happen to have gloves on. The standard radio and CD player on the ES and LX is positioned very high on the center console, above a tiny space designed, supposedly, to store your CD collection. On a completely different note: rear windows roll down almost all the way (a rare feature), but boy are they flimsy! Watch out for rattling when they’re all the way down and you happen to be driving in high winds. To continue with our tour of the inside, access is easy for rear-seat passengers and there’s plenty of head and leg room. The trunk also earns high marks for its volume and the fact that it offers easy access into the bargain.

Overall, manufacturing quality is excellent and the Protegй has the marked advantage of good finishing, especially for a car in its price range.Mazda is trying to attract younger buyers with its new-wave Protegй, and so designers have paid special attention to handling. But before we go for a test drive, let’s look at the model’s nuts and bolts. Peek under the hood of the SE and meet the 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. Those who choose the LX or ES versions get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which has powered this model for one year now.

Although we were unable to check data using our usual performance evaluation instruments, in our opinion at lower speeds the 1.6-liter four-cylinder was quieter than the 2.0- liter. On the other hand, it runs out of breath quickly when climbing hills and can be quite noisy during acceleration.

All the same, this car’s mechanical system is very good, even with the automatic transmission. What about the manual unit? Our rating is satisfactory but nothing beyond because of its rubbery gear shift and a ratio that’s just a bit too long. On the plus side, the clutch is smooth, with perfect progressiveness. Of course, the 2.0-liter is smoother in the lower rpm range and during acceleration and pick-up is more energetic. What remains to be seen is whether the higher price tag really comes with the equivalent amount of additional driveability. Mazda has made the Protegй easier to drive, but at the cost of a stiffer suspension. With its minimal travel, there’s plenty of feedback on bumpy roads. However, the Protegй offers excellent stability, helped along by a very precise steering system that contributes significantly to providing the driver with the sense of control so cherished by Honda fans.

PROS
Driveability
Resistant and reliable mechanics
Roomy interior

CONS
Uncomfortable bucket seats
Stripped-down DX version
Some poorly designed controls

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
 Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * *

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.