Our opinion
We like
Interior space, on-road competence, build quality
Room for improvement
Choppy low-speed ride, average performance of 1.6-litre version
By GAUTAM SHARMA 05/07/1999
MAZDA'S Protege sedan was introduced as part of the new range of 323s in September, 1998, and offers a useful blend of style, space and practicality in a crisp handling package.
Financial crises at home forced Mazda to significantly pare back 323 variants. The unusual four-door hard top Astina was axed along with the delightful 2.0-litre V6 models.
The look is all new. The Protege is edge-design modern - if a little conservative, like its buyer profile.
As part of the rationalisation program, the entire 323 range sits on the current 626 wheelbase, sharing major engineering components. This is not a bad thing because it opened up a little more room for movement in the design of the 323 range.
The upshot is the Astina and Protege have grown, in every direction and dimension.
The roomy cabin is wide enough for three adults to sit snugly in the back and the boot is similarly large - it will readily accept a mountain bike with one wheel removed.
The well equipped interior's big-car feel continues with the big, comfortable and supportive front seats. The dashboard is attractive if a little austere and there's a large glovebox.
The front end incorporates Mazda's new corporate nose and edge-style headlamps.
It is shorter than before but Mazda says both passenger and luggage space have been increased.
The Protege is offered with a choice of 1.6 or 1.8-litre engines, both of which can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
All models in the 323 range have moved downmarket to stay competitive in an increasingly cut-throat segment.
The newcomers are cheaper than their predecessors, taking into account that air-conditioning is now standard across the range.
The entry-level Protege is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that produces 78kW at 5500rpm and 145Nm at 4000rpm. It features twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder to maximise efficiency.
On the road, the smooth and willing powerplant provides respectable performance, although it needs a decent dose of revs to deliver its best.
While not offering an abundance of low-down torque, the engine makes up for it by remaining relatively quiet and refined even when extended to the red line.
The sweet revving 92kW, 1.8-litre, twin cam, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine needs to be stirred to get the best out of it.
It is a lively performer, although you need a firm foot if tied to the four-speed automatic gearbox. The standard five-speed manual is light and slick to use.
Power is relayed to the front wheels by a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.
The manual gearbox is light and slick to use and the clutch is similarly user-friendly. This is just as well as the relative lack of low-down torque in the 1.6-litre means fairly frequent gear changes are the order of the day when driving around town.
The optional four-speed automatic works quite well in most circumstances although it has a tendency to hunt between gears when negotiating twisty country roads.
Enthusiastic drivers are well catered for by the Protege's crisp handling and sharp turn-in. The well balanced chassis is complemented by power-assisted rack and pinion steering that is nicely weighted, with a high level of feedback, and firm, progressive brakes.
Perhaps the only criticism that can be levelled at the Protege's suspension is in relation to its low-speed ride which tends to be slightly choppy over even minor surface irregularities.
Inside, the symmetrical art-deco console design is particularly nice, as are the varying, perforated vinyl-look soft-feel textures.
But between the simple heater controls and logical, user-friendly radio/cassette player resides an empty space. Such cost-cutting measures spoil the effect.
Unfortunately, the console area around the handbrake was loose and seemed cheap while a few buzzes and rattles lived somewhere behind the dash.
Visibility is exemplary and all corners are visible front the driver's seat, making parking easy.
The base model Protege comes with air-conditioning, central locking, power steering, velour seats, a four-speaker stereo, engine immobiliser and driver's airbag.
The 1.8-litre version gains power windows, a passenger airbag, remote central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors, better seat trim, color-keyed door handles and a chrome tailpipe extension.
The Mazda 323 Protege is a competent package with no glaring deficiencies. It is stylish, well built and quite comprehensively specified.
Dynamically, it matches or exceeds all its rivals, barring perhaps the Holden Astra which is arguably the benchmark in the category.
The 323 Protege is currently one of the better choices in the $20,000-plus segment for small sedans.