I was at a Mazda Dealer near me. And was lookin at the 2002 and 2003 Proteges, and what changes they had made.

1. Clear MP3 Sidemarkers. (standard on all protege trim levels)
2. 2.0l Engine Standard (atleast every DX, LX, and ES had same engine! that i saw.
3. ES model with Racing Beat 5 lug pattern aluminum wheels.
4. DX and ES both have Black grille trim.
5. LX has chrome grille Trim.
6. DX and ES have MP3 Headlamps. (not chromed ones that 2001-2002 had).
7. Looked as if LX still had chromed headlamps.


As far as that...thats all i majorly saw. the ES' also have the 4 wheel disc brakes. im gunna go back and take some pictures of what the mods look like and the changes.

But thats the jist of it.

 

What you were looking at was the mid-year refresh for the 2002 models. The 2003 models won't hit dealerships until late this year.

A lot of the things you mentioned have existed for a while... The ES has had 4-wheel disc brakes since the 2001 refresh. The ES has had the argent "black out" treatment on the grill and headlamps since the 2001 refresh; the DX and LX still have the chrome treatment. The ES has had 5-lug wheels since the 2001 refresh. The 2.0L engine became standard across the board for 2002.

The 2002 mid-year refresh includes: clear, fender-mounted side markers; tweeters in the A-pillars on ES; sport automatic transmission option on ES; silver faced gauges (with gear indicator for sport automatic models) on ES; leather shift **** on manual transmission vehicles on ES; deeper, uncovered cupholders; and, new style 16" wheels on ES. These changes apply to the Protege5 as well, except that the Protege5 now has the option of leather.

BTW, the 16" alloy wheels are not Racing Beat. However, the dealer may have added these 17" wheels.

 

I saw a LX yesterday and it had that Clear Sidemarkers. LOL! I thought it was an aftermarket sidemarkers. GrRrrr I want that on my 99 ES!

 

I heard that the dash on p5 will change for 2003. Not sure what yet.

 

Damn. I wish my 2k2 ES had the better cupholders, tweeters, and better cupholders!

Any way I can get any of the new features installed without paying an arm and a leg?