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. I just wish Honda would push the 1.7’s performance envelope a little more.The Proteg� sedan received a front-end face-lift for 2001. If there is a better-looking, sub-$25K import sedan out there, I don’t know what it is. The automaker has also done a yeoman job in making the EL different enough from the Civic. Honda has been particularly astute in upgrading and expanding the standard features found in the Acura. After all, the Civic has been Canada’s best-selling car for the past several years.Īnd the EL is more than an over-priced Civic sedan. Like the Civic, it is not about trend-setting styling or cutting-edge technology, but a carefully orchestrated product in the form of a solid, reliable sedan delivered to a large, broad-based consumer audience. Value Since the 1.7EL is a Civic derivative, the Acura holds the same core precepts. The side air bag system has a cut-off on the front passenger seat that prevents the bag from going off should the occupant be leaning into its deployment path. A two-stage inflation strategy is used to key the air bags’ deployment rate to the impact speed and whether or not the seat belts are in use. Safety Dual-front air bags are standard equipment.
For 2002, Honda has enhanced the car’s ride and handling by retuning the spring and dampening rates as well as adding a steering performance bar. Push it to highway speeds above 120 km/h and there is a vagueness that is not there in European-bred cars, or even ones that are European wannabes, such as Mazda’s impressive Protege MP3.
02 mazda protege hatchback reddit full#
Unfortunately, the EL - at least the 2001 model - does not realize its full potential.
The increased torsional and bending rigidity of the latest-generation body is noticeable, paying dividends in a quieter and more stable ride. Body roll is minimal and the suspension does a tolerable job of soaking up most road imperfections. What starts off as typically Honda-esque overly light steering at low speeds firms up nicely as speed and need build. Consequently, the car has much longer tie rods with which to steer than did the previous version. Changing the front suspension also provided the space to relocate the steering box to a high-mounted position. Ride and handling Last year’s redesign saw both the Civic and 1.7EL go from an independent double wishbone front suspension to a cheaper, less sophisticated MacPherson strut setup. The EL could certainly benefit from an extra 20 or so horsepower - though the 160-hp, 2.0L motor found in the new RSX sport coupe would probably be too much of a good thing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
0 kommentar(er)
