Mazda Protegé5
As evidenced on the auto show circuit this year, wagons are making a comeback, and sporty, entry-level wagons are leading the pack. First out of the box is the Mazda Protegé5, or P5 as we call it. Sporty looks are what will make the P5 popular with the Gen Xers, and even some older buyers as well. The exterior is dressed in a body kit that looks as good as the expensive aftermarket add-ons. Front and rear airdams, side skirts, large fog lamps and a rear roof spoiler dress up the wagon nicely. And the Vivid Yellow paint lets everyone know you¹re not the subtle type.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter DOHC inline four cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. It won't be winning the stoplight drags with supercharged Civics, but because the vehicle is so well balanced and lightweight, the power actually is more than adequate for its size.

Mazda knows this vehicle won't be just doing kid-schlepping errands, so it beefed up the suspension and added 16-inch tires with V-rated rubber, along with front and rear stabilizer bars and four-wheel disc brakes. The engine has a brace bar for added strength and stability, and extra structural reinforcements under the skin mean there won't be a whole lotta' shakin' going on. We proved that out on the highway. 

We found some of the harshest roads in the middle of the big island of Hawaii, and put this wagon to the test. Some 200 miles later, we were still grinning and singing its praises. We were impressed with the great ride and excellent handling of this little wagon, even over the worst lava bumps and dips.

Sometimes a vehicle that's fun to drive isn't so much fun when it comes to being practical. But the P5 can handle it. For day-to-day living, the P5 features five-passenger seating, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 60/40 split rear seats with double folding function and lock, great cargo capacity with a standard cover, and even rear seat heater ducts. Price on this one? At $16,815 including destination, you'll be zoom zooming down to the showroom to check it out.

For more information on Mazda Vehicles, visit them on the web at www.mazdausa.com.

And for some indepth road test reviews and highlights, check out ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine's New Car Reviews & Complete Yearly Model Guides Sections.

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