1999 Mazda Protege

Mazda has totally recast its entry-level sedan for '99. Now based on the "narrow" 626 platform sold in Japan and Europe, this compact front-driver gains style and structure along with powertrain and suspension upgrades keyed toward raising its profile among young, well-educated, professionals who demand value in their not-so-basic transportation. Our first encounter with this new Protege came in Toronto, Canada, where we sampled each of the latest trim and powertrain combinations. All were drawn from the very first batch of production cars to roll off the assembly line in Hiroshima, Japan.

The Protege continues in three flavors: DX, LX, and sporty ES. While all critical dimensions remain very close to those of the '98, a comprehensive rework adds 22 percent more bending strength and 12 percent more torsional rigidity to the unibody. Complementing this extra stoutness is a greater emphasis on attenuating noise and vibration.

Chassis highlights include Mazda's MacStrut/Twin-Trapezoidal Link independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering, and power disc/drum brakes with optional ABS. Together, they yield a package that delivers reassuring levels of comfort, stability, and predictability.

Replacing the previous 1.5-liter/92-horsepower engine in the DX and LX is a new 1.6-liter/105-horse DOHC four that can be paired with either the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed autoshifter. The ES also gets a new motivator. While matching the old four's 1.8 liters and 122 horsepower, this twin-cammer is based on the 626's 2.0-liter unit. It, too, can be had with either transmission. (For the record, both engines sacrifice two ponies in California/LEV trim.)

Mazda projects the vast majority of Proteges sold will be LX automatics. While quite adequate for town-and-country cruising, that combo delivers rather modest acceleration and the 1.6-liter gets a bit thrashy in the upper rev range. We found the 1.8-liter ES far more desirable, regardless of which gearbox one selects. Its slightly tauter suspension and premium wheel/tire package (195/55VR15 rubber on cast-alloy rims wheels in place of 185/65SR14s on steel wheels) further add to the overall driving experience.

Inside, the Protege's interior carries on with the firm's OptiSpace design approach and earns high marks for ergonomics and comfort. Incrementally smaller EPA volume index numbers notwithstanding, Mazda claims the '99 Protege actually has more useable passenger and trunk space than the '98 and still tops all key rivals in those areas. Whatever the case, this pert sedan will easily hold four real adults and five for very short-term travel plus tote 12.9 cubic feet of cargo.

Pricing hadn't been finalized at press time, but Mazda vows the new Protege will be competitive with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. That should lock its sticker in the $13,000-$16,500 range and give the car a solid shot at making some market-share inroads against its chief rivals.