The Mazda ProtTgT comes in three trim levels: Top-line $15,375 ProtTgT ES, mid-line $13,580 LX and entry-level $12,420 DX.ProtTgT ES is powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder 122-horsepower engine that is essentially a slimmed-down version of the 2.0-liter engine that powers the 626. The ES model also comes with bigger front disc brakes and a higher level of standard equipment. ProtTgT LX and DX models come with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 105 horsepower. (For California buyers, the 1.6-liter engine meets that state's standards as an ultra-low-emissions vehicle.) A five-speed manual transmission is standard. A 4-speed automatic transmission can be added as an $800 option. We drove the LX, which carried a base price of $13,580 (including the $450 destination charge). For that modest amount, the Protege LX came equipped with such standard-equipment items as power windows/door locks/exterior mirrors, tilt steering column, rear defogger, power rack-and-pinion steering, front-wheel drive, cruise control, reclining front bucket seats and 60/40 fold-down rear seats. By comparison, the mid-line Toyota Corolla CE, with a 1.8-liter engine and manual transmission, goes for a comparable base price of $13,328, while the mid-line Honda Civic LX sedan--with a 1.6-liter engine and manual transmission--is steeper, with a base price of $15,245. Our LX came equipped with the LX Comfort Package option--air conditioning and carpeted floor mats--for an extra $1,145, bringing the total vehicle price to $14,725. Keyless entry is available for an additional $100 -- a convenient option. An optional power moonroof costs $700. A $1,350 LX Premium Package comes with anti-lock brakes. This newest ProtTgT is based on the narrow-platform version of the Mazda 626 sedan that's sold in Japan and Europe. Mazda's designers have made no secret of the fact that they drew their styling inspiration from European cars. It shows. The new Protege's rounded corners, sculpted hood line and clean, uncluttered shape suggests a variation on BMW's stately and sporty visage. That feel is enhanced by the compact, chrome-accented grille, the distinctive front badging and the monochromatic body-side mouldings and recessed door handles. We loved the big, bold wraparound taillamps in the rear. This touch is more than just a vivid styling statement, although it's all of that: In a small car, which is obviously more vulnerable in rear-end crashes, big taillights are always a good idea, because they're that much more visible in heavy nighttime downpours and wintry blizzards.
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