After going to the Autobild.de site and translating the current information, I found some info about a CVT trans and a steering wheel shifter device for a manual? Not even sure if we would see this in the states, but the information is interesting.

Translated from the site using Google

The 4WD-Technik and the first stage of the high motorizing remain reserving however first the Japanese domestic market. The reason: Mazda may move close neither too closely at Volvo nor step into direct competition to Fords. Therefore the mark must bake small rolls in Europe and position the Mazda3 a half stage under focus, gulf and Astra. The progressive rate of the engine pallet, which consists in the start-up phase only of three aggregates, is accordingly defensive: 1,4-Liter-16V, gasoline, 80 HP? 1,6-Liter-16V, gasoline, 100 HP? 1,6-Liter-16V, Diesel, 110 HP. In the middle of 2004 starts then 140 HP strong 2,0-Liter-Benziner. Also two new gasoline direct A splashes possess firm one commitment on the play plan. The small 1,5-Liter-Motor carries 100 HP out, the large 2,3-Liter-Variante mobilizes 160 HP. A second turbo-Diesel, which is to take 140 HP out of 2,0 litres capacity, is likewise announced. Theoretically the next C-platform could take up even a six cylinder, but an Mazda alternative to the gulf R32 is to time only grey theory.


The Japanese enter new ground also on the transmission sector. With the Mazda3 they set no longer on the classical four-course mechanism with transducer bypass clutch, but on an automated transmission with five drive positions. The clutch pedal is void, is switched either with the selector lever or over paddles at the steering wheel. Alternatively to it there is a mechanism lane. In connection with the all-wheel drive (system Volvo) and the strongest engines one wants to after-push a six-course transmission later. Whether the stepless CVT automat of a daily planned for Japan comes also to Europe, is not well-known. Mazda plans three equipment variants named comfort (basis), exclusive (elevated center) and Top (actually a sport package). All models receive a completely again arranged Interieur to also clearly drawn instruments, comfortable seats, strongly improved ergonomics and high-quality surfaces. Because one cannot buy modern electronics more favorably anywhere in the world than in the Far East, the importer wants to be terminated DVD supported video and navigation systems or MP3-Playern the past high price strategy with Hightech accessories as. Also the basic price of the Mazda3 is to sink equipment, allegedly over up to five per cent. Thus do the Japanese try to double the paragraph in the first full season? of 15.000 in the year 2002 (old 323) on 30.000 units 2004. These ambitious growth rates come Martin Leach admit forwards: "the Mazda6 moved closer the Mondeo on the fur, than it can be dear Fords. They may assume however no second time will happen to us."

So....the 2.0 will only be 140 hp. Does this bother me?

Nope...26-28 mpg does not bother me when every other American goof ball is buying thirsty, wallet emptying V-8 SUV's and full size trucks. Heck, some even require premium fuel!

It is absolutely amazing how stupid we can be here in the USA.

140 HP would still give good torque response, the car still will have decent seating, roominess, etc.

Great styling, build quality, stereo, etc.

Only question I have is...will Mazda finally get the gearing right?

Last Mazda I owned ran 3000 rpm at 72 mph which is too high IMHO. I want to seen 3000 rpm come in at 80-82 mph...cruising speed for rural highway areas of California. Urban area freeways average in the teens soooooooo, gearing makes no difference.

 

martialcomp, this is one of the most enlightened posts I've seen in some time-- Your analysis of the gluttonous behavior of average American drivers is right on.

While the performance enthusiast nature of many posters on this forum is admirable, for the vast majority of people the Protege is simply a car to get around in; perhaps something to appreciate for it's stock appearance, value, etc.. That said, unless Mazda releases a North American model lower in stature than what the Protege represents, the upcoming Mazda3 needs to better mirror the performance characteristics delivered by the small car class leaders like Civic and Corolla-- That is, logical gear ratios, reasonable (if still modest) power, and comparable fuel efficiency. The current generation Protege does not deliver these matching characteristics, and lags behind the best small cars based thereon. Protege is currently rougher riding, noisier, and less efficient than either of these cars, and I, for one, think that sucks ***.

I'm in favor of finding a way to keep Protege's handling prowess intact, but I believe above all else Mazda has to fix the damn noise issue (especially road noise) and the comparative poor fuel efficiency delivered. I hope they can do so with the new 140 HP engine noted in that article. 140 stock HP is higher than that offered by Corolla and most of the Civics (except for the SI), which is cool, and if Mazda can get the fuel efficiency up to around 28 city/38 highway, I'll consider that competative against the other leading Japanese small cars. If they don't deliver these characteristics I'll not consider buying another Mazda. I demand a car that delivers reasonable fuel efficiency and power-- I'm fine with the Protege's current power, but not the fuel efficiency, which doesn't cut it against Honda and Toyota. Mazda is not competative here, and I resent that.

 

Did you sell the Protege for a Corolla/Civic yet?