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A limited-edition Protegé MP3 was also introduced with a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch Racing Hart wheels, Racing Beat cat-back exhaust and a tuned factory ECU to give it a total of 140 horsepower. In 2001, the Mazda Protegé was given a facelift, revised suspension, new audio system and a 2.0-liter engine for the ES model. Such is the Mazda way, focusing on finesse over brute strength, even to this day. While that may not sound like much today, in 1988 it allowed the featherweight 323 GTX to keep up with much more powerful cars.
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#Mazda protege car and driver manual#
Unlike other models, the 323 GTX came exclusively with all-wheel drive, a 5-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged, 1.6-liter engine that made a punchy 132 horsepower. Perhaps the highlight of the 1980s’ 323 range was the 1988 323 GTX, a limited-edition hot hatchback, bred for rally racing. It was originally offered as a hatchback or sedan and served as one of the entry points to the Mazda brand in North America. The Mazda 323 was a front-wheel-drive compact car that was powered by a 1.5-liter engine, with 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
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marketing team aligned itself with Mazda’s global divisions, renaming the car into Mazda’s numerical hierarchy. In the years following the introduction of the “Great Little Car,” the U.S. In 1985, Mazda introduced the 323 as the successor of the GLC.
#Mazda protege car and driver drivers#
With its class-leading features, advanced technology and safety components, you can see why drivers have kept coming back throughout the vehicle's 40 year history. From the first time you lay eyes on a Mazda3, to the very first turn of the steering wheel, it’s easy to see why drivers have fallen in love with it. From its unbelievably engaging driving dynamics, to its award-winning design and unparalleled quality. Mazda3’s success can be attributed to a variety of things. It’s earned the distinction of reaching 1 million sales faster than any vehicle in Mazda history. Since its debut in 2004, the Mazda3 has gone on to become the best-selling Mazda in the world, with more than 5 million sold. But even though the Mazda3 has seen so many changes and advancements, one thing about it remains the same: Mazda’s driving philosophy of “Jinba Ittai,” representing the harmony between car and driver. Today, the 2019 Mazda3 is available as an bold hatchback or a sleek sedan. Today’s Mazda3 has four decades worth of predecessors in the form of a station wagon or a coupe - the GLC, 323 and Protegé.
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