In 2001 and 2002, the Mazda Protege moved steadily up the
compact car rankings, appealing to cost-conscious consumers.
A look at the 2003 Mazda Protege suggests that this solid
sedan will continue its climb into this next year. Mazda
designers seem happy enough with the Protege, and so confident
in its build, they have developed from it the Protege5 wagon,
and the Mazdaspeed Protege sport compact.
Available Models
The 2003 Mazda Protege sedan is available in the base DX
model, the intermediate LX model, and the upscale ES model.
All three models are 4-door vehicles, and have a number
of attractive safety, comfort, and convenience options to
add to the standard package.
Interior Features
The standard interior features of the 2003 Mazda Protege
include a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a split
folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, intermittent
wipers, front bucket seats, map lights, and remote fuel-door/decklid
release. The LX and ES models are also provided with air
conditioning, cruise control, power locks, windows, and
mirrors, a tachometer, remote entry system, and a height-adjustable
driver seat. The ES model also has a superior sound system.
This compact sedan provides ample head room and leg space.
It also has an easily accessible and relatively roomy rear
seat. This rear seat is a locking 60/40 folding seat that
allows for extra cargo room, an attractive standard feature
offered in all 2003 Mazda Protege models.
Exterior Features
For 2003, the Protege's ES model is equipped with alloy
wheels. The DX and LX models have 195/55VR15 tires, while
the ES model has 195/50VR16 tires. A power sunroof is an
option on the LX and ES models.
Performance
Under the hood, the 2003 Mazda Protege contains a 2.0-litre
DOHC 4-cylinder engine, which offers 130 hp at 6000 rpm
and 135 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. On all models, 5-speed
manual transmission is standard, though automatic 4-speed
transmission is an option. In the ES model, the automatic
transmission is now available with a manual shift gate,
which gives the driver the freedom to choose between automatic
or manual shifting. This sedan offers a fuel economy of
24 mpg.
Safety and Security
All Mazda Protege models contain dual front airbags and
an emergency trunk release. Both the LX and ES models offer
anti-lock brakes and front-side airbags as an option. The
Protege's ES model comes equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes
and fog lights.
Get
a Free Price Quote on a Mazda Protege.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
5
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MSRP
from |
$13,940
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Engine |
1.6L I4
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2.0L I4
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Horsepower |
103 @ 5,500
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130 @ 6,000
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Transmission |
4-speed automatic
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5-speed manual
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
1.6L man: 29/34
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2.0L man: 25/31
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