2002 Mazda Protegé5

“Zoom-zoom?” my bemused friend asked slyly, having seen me emerge from this bright red Mazda Protegé5 with those very words splashed across the rear window. “Yes, as a matter of fact,” I replied. Normally, cars emblazoned with decals, racing stripes and, as in this case, advertising slogans are a real turnoff. Because, normally, such affectations have little bearing on reality. Real cars speak for themselves, or something like that. So when I saw “Zoom-Zoom” slapped on this Protegé5, Mazda’s brand new compact five-door wagon, I was skeptical. And I was wrong.Being a longtime fan of the Mazda Protegé (one of the best-kept secrets in affordable driving fun) and knowing how Mazda is trying to position itself as the nameplate for sport, I shouldn’t have been surprised to find this new five-door model a delight in many respects.

Powered by the 2.0 liter, twin cam 16-valve in-line four cylinder engine borrowed from the larger 626 sedan, the Protegé5 takes full advantage of its 130 horses and 135 foot pounds of torque. It’s not pocket-rocket quick, but it’s more than cooperative.

The wagon configuration adds considerable weight, making 0 to 60 a bigger challenge for the Protegé5 than for the Protegé ES sedan with the same powertrain. Still, the Protegé5 has plenty of, well, zoom-zoom.

What doesn’t change at all from the sedan to the five-door is the Protegé’s rewarding steering and handling. This, to me, is what makes all Protegés such drivers’ delights. This little five-door loves the curves and, with manual gearing like mine, shows true spirit in the chase. Rack and pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension, plus front and rear stabilizers and a front strut tower bar all contribute.

It’s also surprisingly good on the highway. I was initially reluctant to drive the Protegé5 on a road trip, figuring it would wear me out. Instead, it settled down and proceeded to eat up the miles easily. No vibration, no intrusive wind noise, no discomfort, no problem.

The Bad News
I have a hard time referring to this Protegé5 as a “wagon,” because it doesn’t really do what I think wagons should do. Specifically, it’s small (170.5 inches stem to stern) and has only 20 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, 24 with them down. That’s only enough for a couple of duffles.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 25 mpg city/30 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $16,335;
Price as tested, $18,395

Is it worth it?
Adding to the test vehicle’s price were primarily a $700 power moonroof and $800 side airbag/antilock brake options. I would prefer the latter be standard, but I understand it’s pricey.

I think this Protegé5 is a very cool little ride for the money. Its standard amenities appeal to me (power accessories, air conditioning, cruise, etc.), as does its perky style, tasteful interior and overall attitude.

But I see it as less as a “wagon” than as a racy hatchback. Those looking for something sensible and roomy are going to be disappointed. Those looking for personality and performance will find this Mazda Protegé5 has zoom-zoom written all over it.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.