![]() ![]() I had more thorough rust repair performed once, a couple years ago. Each fall I remove what rust I can from the rear wheel openings and shock towers, slap on some rust converter, then paint. Where the roads are salted, small Mazdas predictably start to meld with atmosphere about six months after the five-year rust perforation warranty ends. Consider the Mazda Exhibit A in the case that it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. In subjective terms, the P5 feels so alive and is so much fun, even in daily driving, that it has made nearly every car I’ve reviewed over the past decade seem dull, even boring in comparison. Even without stability control (which was never offered), every ounce of potential can be extracted from this car safely and easily. Testing out the car’s handling early on in a snow-covered parking lot, I had to resort to pulling the hand brake to get it to spin. (The thick, heavily padded steering wheels favored by many people and consequently common on performance-oriented cars block feedback.) A MINI or a 500 should feel as agile and provide communication as plentiful and nuanced, but doesn’t.īy lifting off the Protege5’s throttle as you enter a turn you can coax the rear end out a bit, but in general the car’s chassis is extremely stable. Though the low-effort steering can have an over-assisted, rubber-band feel at modest lock under light loads (a trait shared by the current Civic Si), both on-center and when you’re tossing the car precisely through a curve the rack and column seem to transmit EVERTYTHING through a relatively thin, minimally padded rim to your fingertips. First of all, despite a 2,800-pound curb weight, the car’s reactions to steering inputs are quicker than in any compact hatch I’ve driven since buying it. The Protege5 remains relevant for the same reasons I still own it. How does it possibly remain relevant today? So the P5 was designed and engineered back in the mid-nineties. I got a great deal ($18,900 MSRP, paid $13,400) because the new Mazda3 was in transit. Retail accounts and leases through Mazda Financial Services are subject to credit approval by TMCC.When I bought my Protege5 back in November 2003, it was already at the end of its run. Mazda is solely responsible for its products and services and for promotional statements about them and is not affiliated with TMCC or its affiliates. TMCC is the servicer for accounts owned by TMCC, TLT, and their securitization affiliates. Retail installment accounts may be owned by TMCC or its securitization affiliates and lease accounts may be owned by Toyota Lease Trust (TLT) or its securitization affiliates. The trade name “Mazda Financial Services” and the Mazda and Mazda Financial Services logos are owned by Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) or its affiliates and are licensed to Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC). See participating Mazda Dealer for complete details. Offer ends and you must take delivery prior to expiration of offer. This offer is only available on participating Mazda Dealer’s current inventory, which is subject to availability. Certain restrictions may apply based on DMV Registration ZIP Code void where prohibited. Tax, title, license, other options, loan origination fees and dealer fees may apply. 36 months at $29.04 per month per $1,000 financed with $0 down at participating Mazda Dealers. Amount of down payment and other factors may affect qualification. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect purchase price and amount to be financed. Not all customers will qualify for credit approval or advertised APR. If the system predicts an impact, models equipped with Smart Brake Support–Rear Crossing 18 can automatically brake to help avoid a collision or reduce damage in the event of a collision.Ģ.9% APR available on approved credit only for very well-qualified customers when financing a new 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback through Mazda Financial Services at participating Mazda Dealers. When backing up, available Rear Cross Traffic Alert 9 helps detect a vehicle approaching from the side and promptly alerts the driver with an audible warning, as well as a visual warning, in either side mirror and the Rear View Monitor display. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Brake Support–Rear Crossing 17 By using small cameras mounted on the front, back and sides of the car, the available 360° View Monitor displays various views around the car on the Mazda Connect ™ screen. 12 A warning will sound when the sensors detect you’re close to an object and increase in frequency as you get closer.Įxperience greater awareness in every direction with the 360° View Monitor. Parking becomes easy with the Mazda3’s easy-to-use front and rear parking sensors. Remove some of the stress from your daily commute with Traffic Jam Assist 16 which enhances the Mazda3’s Mazda Radar Cruise Control with low-speed steering assist at speeds of up to 40 mph.
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