These two problems seem to happen independently from each other and they come and go – i.e. The car will also shake, or idle very rougly, after stopping, or while slowing to a stop, for a period of 3-4 seconds. 6-weeks ago, the check engine light started coming on in conjunction with what felt like the car downshifting while driving about 40-45 mph, and having a hard time shifting out of that gear (oddly enough, the RPMs stay between 2000-3000 when it does this, unless I accelerate, then they go above 3000, almost hit 4000 and the car will feel like it “jumps” to the next higher gear).
Bought it at 11,000 miles and now have 85,000. Body lean is minimal, and theres only moderate penalty to be paid in ride comfort.I’ve had the 2002 Protege 5 for 4 years. In quick, tight turns, the MP3 clings tenaciously to the pavement. Where the MP3 really shines is in its handling talents. Its a little more taxing to drive, due to the need for heavier pressure on the clutch pedal, and the exhaust tone adds to the MP3s sportiness.
MAZDA PROTEGE 5 2002 TUNING MANUAL
Performance also is appealing, especially when equipped with the manual shift and larger engine.Īs expected, acceleration in the MP3 is stronger than that of the regular Proteg�, though the difference is not dramatic. Priced in the same league as more ordinary sedans, Mazdas compact stands a strong cut above in the handling department. It also is highly competent on the road and fun to drive, befitting the claims for sportiness made by Mazda. The Proteg� is among the more spacious and well-equipped compact sedans.
Side-impact airbags, antilock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution are available in an option group. In other models, either a five-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmission can be installed. The engine in the MP3 sedan develops 140 hp, using a low-back pressure Racing Beat exhaust system and working with a manual shift. Mazda has dropped the 1.6-liter engine, so all DX, LX and ES models now carry a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 130 hp. The MP3 sedan includes a Nardi three-spoke steering wheel and MazdaSpeed lightweight pedals, and the Proteg� has a shorter gearshift lever. White-faced instruments and a new modular audio system with a CD player are standard, and a new center console includes covered storage. A split, folding rear seat supplements the 13.2-cubic-foot trunk space.Īir conditioning is optional on the DX sedan and standard on other models. Interior volume amounts to 92.6 cubic feet, and it has adequate rear legroom and headroom for adult passengers. As a result of what Mazda calls OptiSpace design, the Proteg� can actually accommodate the five passengers that it claims to hold. This is one of the roomier small cars on the market. MP3 models are finished in Laser Blue or Vivid Yellow. The MP3 sedan features a large front air dam with integrated driving lights, side sill extensions, a large rear spoiler and low-profile tires on special Racing Hart 17-inch wheels. New body-colored mirrors go on the LX and ES, and a power moonroof is available. Alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, but 15-inch wheels are optional on the DX model. A black-chrome grille, fog lights and a rear spoiler are part of the DX, LX and ES sedans. What Mazda describes as ∾uropean-inspired styling emerged from a collaboration among designers in Europe, Japan and California. Slightly longer than the Honda Civic, the Proteg� has a 102.8-inch wheelbase and measures 175.3 inches long overall. Meanwhile, Mazda continues to promote itself as a sporty car company, using its zoom-zoom advertising theme. Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda. Each 2002 vehicle benefits from a reinforced body/chassis structure, and a new modular audio system with a standard CD player is installed in all sedans.Ī redesign isnt likely until 2004, but when it does occur, the Ford Focus platform may possibly be used. The 1.6-liter engine, previously standard on the DX sedan, has been dropped. Only 1,500 units were built initially, and they were sold out before they reached the United States, but Mazda is considering bringing back the MP3 later in the 2002 model year.Įxcept for the MP3, all models now use a 130-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine designed by Mazda. The MP3 also is fitted with a high-output 140-horsepower engine and a number of performance-oriented components from racing suppliers. Now, Mazda is helping to revive the small hatchback body style with its new Proteg�5 sport wagon, launched as an early 2002 model.ĭuring the 2001 model year, Mazda introduced another variant of the Proteg�, dubbed MP3 to denote its Kenwood audio system. The Proteg� sedan received a front-end face-lift for 2001.
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