Combined with a light 2,600-lb. On the highway, though, the skinny 14-inch tires hunt and wander, making this Mazda feel somewhat unstable. Also, body roll is more excessive than we prefer. Inside, the Protege is finished in tasteful tones and textures, and boasts excellent fit and finish. It is immediately apparent that this car was designed for simplicity of operation.
All controls fall readily to hand, and the minimalist displays are easy to see and read.
The freshly-styled dashboard is not padded, but the hard plastic avoids looking and feeling brittle. There's a seat height adjustment and dead pedal for the driver, passenger assist handles, and a stereo able to pump rich sound from four interior speakers. A split-folding rear seat is standard on the ES model. Storage spaces are generally small but abundant, and five adults can fit into a Protege with little complaint. Front seats are astoundingly comfortable, and rear seat leg room is surprising for a car this size.