My Etude(aka Protoge 5, i think)

[dolfius]

Hi all.

My name is Rudolf and i hail from sunny South Africa. I drive a 1.8i Sx Mazda Etude - sold as the Protoge 5 in the US, it would seem.

Bottom line is, i think it's a fantastic car!

 

[CTt3P5]

That it is! Welcome to the forums!

Nice tail lights and I see they come with the US sedan lights there in Africa along with the square fogs.

Any interior pics?

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Welcome aboard. How can I get a hookup on an Etude badge like on the hatch?????????

 

[dolfius]

@CTt3P5...Interior pics to be posted very soon. And, if i can be very honest, i prefer the square fogs to the round ones you have over there.

@ i12drivemyMP5...Do you mean the actual Etude badge (as opposed to your Protoge badge at the rear)? If so, i'll find out what they cost here....maybe i can help to hook you up.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

PM sent about badge score...........Thanks for checking. Only missing Etude, Allegro & the Chinese one for my around the world BJ chassis badge collection....I think.

 

[sube]

That it is! Welcome to the forums!

Nice tail lights and I see they come with the US sedan lights there in Africa along with the square fogs.

Any interior pics?

Also come with 4 lug hubs our's have 5 lug.

Pat.

 

[dolfius]

Yup, that's right Pat. And that kinda sucks for me 'cause i have to make some special mods if i want to fit any of the newer Mazdas' wheels (MS3, 6, RX8, etc.) The Mazdaspeed Protoge wheels are what i would REALLY like to put on my car.

 

[NRRfrogmanP5]

i like that rear lip

 

[dolfius]

Thanx frogman. Truth be told, i like the rear bumper on the Protoge more! I think it looks sweet when you paint that lower part black.

 

[JC-MP5]

Welcome! Glad to see we have a new member with knowledge about their car! It's quite refreshing. She looks great! I'll trade rear bumpers with you if you like the US one better!

Oh, manual gearbox or auto?

 

[dolfius]

Thanx JC. I am a very big supporter of the Mazda brand, therefor i like to know as much as possible!

Mine has a manual box. I prefer that...i'ts just more fun! (although, the auto box would make driving in traffic a dream!).

It never came out in auto here....

 

[dolfius]

I believe the P5 also came out with cruise control over there?

 

[JC-MP5]

That it did. Cruise control is such a lifesaver on long trips.

Good call on the manual. It's the only way in my opinion. When you drive, you should be one with the car.

 

[dolfius]

I couldn't agree more. Wish mine had cruise control....

I don't know why, but we get all the "watered-down" Mazdas. I know the RX8 came equiped with satnav overseas but here...not even an option!

The previous Mazdaspeed3 (Mazda 3 MPS over here), still none of the above!!

I'ts frustrating!!

Maybe they do it to keep the price down....

 

[Sliver5]

I want your rear bumper.

 

[2k3 PrO RiDa]

Oh i'd do anything for those 4 lug rear disc brakes! I've only seen one car in america with the swap. The pics look good though. Any plans for modding?

 

[JC-MP5]

I couldn't agree more. Wish mine had cruise control....

I don't know why, but we get all the "watered-down" Mazdas. I know the RX8 came equiped with satnav overseas but here...not even an option!

The previous Mazdaspeed3 (Mazda 3 MPS over here), still none of the above!!

I'ts frustrating!!

Maybe they do it to keep the price down....

Don't feel bad. We get the watered down versions as well.

Well, as far as the Protege/P5 we get the diluted versions....

 

[mazda_sp20]

In australia, ours are called "323 astina" that have the 1.6 and 1.8 versions with 4 lug wheels. drum and rear disc in 4 lug available

the best model here are called "323 astina sp20" that have the 2.0 FS-DE with 5 lug and better factory struts and interior. its pretty much on par with the U.S. P5.

we have no turbo options or factory options like cruise control etc...

only in the later mazda3 and 6 and mps models

 

[dolfius]

Some interior pics, as promised. Took some quickly at work this morning....
she's in dire need of cleaning so please excuse the dust!

 

[dolfius]

That's life then, i guess. I still love my car tho'...

@mazda_sp20...we had more or less the same models available here, with the exception of you SP20. The 180iSX that i drive was the range-topper for the Etude.