Mazdaspeed Protege: Mazda Gem of the Day

Mazdaspeed Protege: Mazda Gem of the Day

Before the Mazda3 and its Mazdaspeed variants, there was the Protege, which spawned a Mazdaspeed Protege version for just one year. The 2003 model year (MY) Mazdaspeed Protege was quickly followed by the 2003.5 MY edition, which was highlighted by a revised rear spoiler.

This 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege for sale features just over 24k miles on its odometer and represents a low-mileage example of a rare Mazdaspeed model.

In fact, this sport compact car was the first Mazda to wear the Mazdaspeed name, debuting in North America for the 2003 model year. The Mazdaspeed Miata, Mazdaspeed6 and Mazdaspeed3 soon followed before Mazdaspeed-branded models ended in 2013.

Every Mazdaspeed Protege, or MSP, was powered by a 170-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, boosting the little Protege’s power output by 30 hp over the standard model.

This particular example stands out with its striking yellow paint and still sports the model’s distinctive 17-inch Racing Hart alloy wheels and updated rear spoiler.

Other upgrades for the Mazdaspeed Protege included:

• Suspension tuned by Racing Beat
• High-bolstered sport bucket seats
• Alloy pedals with rubber grips
• Two-tone steering wheel
• Kenwood 250-watt premium audio system
• Mazdaspeed badging, parts and accessories

The car’s 170-hp turbo-four engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. Inside, the cabin is finished in black with grey trim accents. With just under 25k miles shown, it’s no surprise this now-rare Mazdaspeed car’s interior shows little signs of wear.

Mazda and Mazdaspeed enthusiasts looking for a rare sport compact car should consider a Mazdaspeed Protege like this one listed for sale in Miami, FL, at Sport Cars Miami.