Protege5 vs IS300 Wagon

[GXL]

Hello: I'm new here!

I'm not sure if this topic has been discussed before?

Both these car look very similar, in fact, I think the MP4 looks better than the Lexus!

Here's a Pic:

I get a lot of: "is that the new Lexus wagon?" I said, no, it is a Mazda! Their jaws drop to the floor... "Niiice Car"

 

[GXL]

Sorry, forgot to include a Pic for the MP5

 

[Gyre]

I think the IS300 SportCross looks worse in person than in the press photos. The rear is ugly to me.

 

[WaatDaHell]

It does look a little awkward in the rear. There aren't many Sport wagons out there that have a nice and smooth flowing shape like the Protege5 though. Take the Matrix for example. It's like a mini minivan. Just disgusting. But the P5 does resemble the IS300 SportCross quite a bit. According to Car and Driver magazine the Protege5 is an "IS300 SportCross for the masses" since the Protege5 is so affordable.

 

[APEXistud]

The P5 is perfect when it comes to sytle and price, but definately not a powerful car. The Sportcross is......well, it's a Lexus. So it'll a lot more refined and classy than the P5, but still not powerful enough for me. My take.....why mess with P5 or Sportcross, when you can get the best of both worlds and get a WRX Wagon. Power and sytle......Did I mention that it has power.

 

[WaatDaHell]

The WRX is an awesome car. Power and performance for the money is amazing. But I'd never get it. Why? Cuz it's damn ugly. To me at least. It feels so small on the inside too, even smaller than the P5. If one is parked next to me though, I don't even think about "who's faster" or anything like that. I'll get a good asswhooping. But hey, I'm just happy I look better.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

An issue of Road and Track I've got laying around makes mention that one or more of the design staffers on the IS300 wagon worked on the Protege5. If I find the article I'll scan it.

 

[talon4x4]

That sure would be a sweet car to have....whenever they make final plans to bring it stateside!!!!

The only thing keeping me from getting the MSP are the hopes that the STi will be here early next year!!! Coming from a 300hp AWD Eagle Talon (with reliability issues), just makes me want power back again!!

 

[GXL]

An issue of Road and Track I've got laying around makes mention that one or more of the design staffers on the IS300 wagon worked on the Protege5. If I find the article I'll scan it.

Were you able to find that article?

 

[Foxy]

The current WRX's aesthetics may be... er.. 'controversial,' but the new design looks, in my opinion, awesome. Wonder when images of the wagon will begin to appear..

 

[Phoenix5]

Yeah I agree.The new Sti look kicks ass.Subaru did a good job on the facial.It looks as if its a mix of the horizontal headlights of the Impeza(McRae-style) and the WRX bug eyes.The more aggressive hood scoop is awesome too.Anyways,the new Super Street says that it'll be coming here for 2003,but obviously after the long awaited arrival of the Lancer Evo VIII.

 

[sundevilMP5]

the new wrx looks a lot better but i still like the gc8 the best...original is always the best...

 

[Antoine]

Even though I don't think the current WRX front is attractive...it has grown on me...it is aggressive...it does have a uniqueness about it.

When I see the revised front...it makes me think "Forrester"...like they went tooo conservative. Maybe in time it will grow on me as well...

 

[blynzoo]

Yeah, if you remove the scoop and tail, the body is horribly bland.

I'm still loving the MSP.....

 

[LazerBlueP5]

I wouldn't mind having the 200+ hp of the IS300 Wagon. Does anyone know which car was released first. Because obviously someone borrowed styling cues from someone. It truly would be funny if Lexus mocked Mazda...but I doubt it's the case. lol

 

[jsgolfer]

the is is pure and isn't to be compared to our little economy cars. i love the p5 but it isn't fair to mention it with a 30k plus, luxury/sport auto. about the wrx. i love the sedan but don't think the wagon looks as good. i would take either one though

 

[ChopstickHero]

The current WRX's aesthetics may be... er.. 'controversial,' but the new design looks, in my opinion, awesome. Wonder when images of the wagon will begin to appear..

damn... that hood scoop looks like it can eat unsuspecting little children for breakfast.