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Mazda Protegé

24043 messages,  Last post on Jun 10, 2012 at 12:01 AM

You are in the Mazda Protege Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda Protege, Sedan

Messages Page 1992 of 2405

#19911 of 24043 dinu by newcar31

Jan 30, 2003 (5:27 pm)

I think the new Protege will be excellent. The fact that the chassis was co-developed with Ford is a good thing. European Fords are known to have excellent chassis. Mazda knows a thing or two about chassis development also. The car can only be better because of this. It's supposed to still be built in Japan, which hopefully means that it will be built with parts from mostly Japanese suppliers.
 
There are a couple of things I need to know before I get too exited though. I need to like the way it looks. If it has a somewhat Mazda6-ish front end with an RX8-type rear end (how it has been described by those who have seen it) and a decent roofline, I'll take it. I hope I can get one equipped like my 2001 ES. I'd like the ES version of the Mazda3 to not have a body kit. I would like to be able to get the big engine (2.3L) in the ES, not just in a special Mazdaspeed model. I hope the wheels are at least as attractive as the wheels on my current car. I hope Mazda shows some restraint with the silver/platinum painted plastic. I'd rather not have any at all, but I know that's not going to happen.

#19912 of 24043 BTW... by newcar31

Jan 30, 2003 (5:32 pm)

When are there going to pictures of this car? I saw the Mazda6 a long time ago. Is the Mazda3 going to be released at the same time throughout the world?

#19913 of 24043 Todd by dinu01

Jan 30, 2003 (5:41 pm)

The suspension and chassis should be the best in class - just like now. Mazda will certainly keep their cars sportier than the competition, which is a good thing for those of us that can't afford a Modena.
 
I actually like the silver plastic or perhaps don't mind it. The 6's interior looks good too and like you I don't want bumper spoilers or side skirts - too much plastic, too much of a Fast and Furious theme and can potentially break or get scrapped in an encounter with a pothole. That being said, I do like a spoiler with an integrated horizontal light (like on our 01 ESs) with 16" rims.
 
Dinu

#19914 of 24043 Pics by dinu01

Jan 30, 2003 (5:45 pm)

No clue. I tried looking for pics last week and found nothing. They said fall of 2004 for the launch? Mazda will also have to do a Tribute, MPV, Miata revamp, so I think they're taking things slowly. Better to be slower to launch and avoid glitches, than flood the market with subpar products. They simply can't afford to mess up.
 
Q: Why are Mazdas more popular in Canada than in th US? I always see PROs and MPVs every time I get out of the house.
 
Dinu

#19915 of 24043 Any chatters tonight? by fowler3

Jan 30, 2003 (5:47 pm)

Meade, it's going to be in the 60's here Sunday. Good time to check out tires if it's warmer there.
Man, I'm ready for it. Tired of being cold.
 
My Pro will be 2 years old in April and it hasn't hit 13K yet. Really needs washing badly. But it keeps raining.
 
fowler3

#19916 of 24043 Dinu, I have wondered the same thing. by fowler3

Jan 30, 2003 (5:51 pm)

Maybe because they are cheaper to buy. Maybe because Canadians know a good thing when they see it. They sit higher and probably go better in the snow with less dragging on the bottom.
 
fowler3

#19917 of 24043 Jim by dinu01

Jan 30, 2003 (5:51 pm)

I'm at work until 9PM (: Then the drive home in the PRO... Two years and 13K miles? Must be nice to have a new car even two years later
 
Actualy I can't complain. No issues, no rattles, drives great after 31K miles+ and 18 mths.
 
Dinu

#19918 of 24043 Have you seen the ugly... by fowler3

Jan 30, 2003 (5:57 pm)

alloys Mazda is putting on the 2003 Protegés? They are awful! They look like WAY AFTER market, as in don't bother with locking nuts, nobody will steal them. LOL!
 
I'll post a photo in my album.
 
fowler3

#19919 of 24043 Yep - quite ugly by dinu01

Jan 30, 2003 (6:01 pm)

They would make a supped-up Civic proud
 
The 2000 alloys look ok, the 01-02 ones are better, but the 03 ones are too overdone. I prefer simple 5 or 7 spoke designs. The 03 ones look like they have 20+ spokes.
 
Dinu

#19920 of 24043 This week's fuel consumption by dinu01

Jan 30, 2003 (7:52 pm)

Similar to last week's: 9L/100kms, a mix of 70% highway 30% city.
 
Dinu

Messages Page 1992 of 2405

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