KansasCity.com's view

Sport wagons are a delightful combination of fun and practicality. Mazda’s Protege 5 is a case in point.

Visually, the Protege 5 is the wagon version of the street-tough MP3 sedan. It has the same fog lights, spoilers and ground-effects package, but it rides on 16-inch wheels instead of 17-inchers. Prices start at $16,335, and our test car had a sticker price of $18,395.

The 2.0-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine has 130 horsepower, whereas the MP3 gets 10 more. Even though the engine’s output is modest, the close-shifting five-speed lets you extract all 130 ponies with ease. This engine/transmission combination is energetic as well as thrifty. It is rated at 25 miles per gallon in town and 31 on the highway. Folks who use their cars for long commutes will appreciate the way it sips fuel.

The Protege 5’s low and purposeful look is a cross between a European wagon and a street-modified import. Its styling will appeal to young buyers and enthusiasts who want a car capable of hauling outdoor and sports gear without sacrificing the daily fun-to-drive quotient of a sports sedan. All of the colors Ð silver, black, blue, red and bright yellow Ðwere chosen to appeal to younger buyers. The taxi-cab yellow on the test car was bright enough to make a school bus blush, but I liked its liveliness and added visibility. A more subtle color would be easier to live with over a period of time.

A key element in a station wagon’s functionality is the ease with which the back seat can be dropped down. So often with compact wagons, the rear-seat headrests have to be removed and the bottom seat cushion has to be tipped forward, but not so this one. The Protege 5’s 60/40 split-folding back seat tumbles forward after releasing only one latch. The cargo space is nicely carpeted and looks like it is big enough for hauling a bicycle, camping gear or home-repair items. When the back seat is upright there is adequate legroom for two adults.

The front-wheel-drive Protege has always been a nice-handling small car, but the sport wagon is even better. It loves to tackle corners because body roll is negligible and the steering is light and responsive. The ride is tight and firm without being uncomfortably harsh, and the low-profile tires add grip without extracting a ride penalty. On winter-ravaged streets they are probably a better choice than the 17-inch wheels supplied on the MP3 because they are less likely to be damaged by potholes since the tires have a bit more sidewall to protect the wheel.

The interior is much the same as that of the MP3: Cream-colored gauges, three-spoke steering wheel and the center of the dash has a brushed-silver panel flanked by faux carbon fiber. It looks good. Dimpled leather texture on the steering wheel, door panels and dash adds a touch of class. The deeply contoured seats are upholstered in cloth that has a subdued pattern that looks youthful without being garish.

The Protege 5 is an excellent compromise for tho se who are trying to decide between the practicality of a station wagon or the fun of a sports sedan. Both sides win.

Price
The Protege 5’s base price is $16,335. Options on the test car included anti-lock brakes, side airbags and a power sunroof. The sticker price was $18,395.

Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.

Point:The Protege 5 is a blend of sport-sedan handling, street-tough looks and station wagon versatility. It’s a great compromise for a young family looking for a car that is both practical and fun to drive. Plus, it won’t break the bank.

Counterpoint: A car that looks this hot and handles this well could profit from more power. The MP3’s 10 extra horsepower would be a welcome addition.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.0-liter, 140-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: Five-speed Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 102.8 inches
Curb weight: 2,714 lbs.
Base price: $16,335
As driven: $18,395
Mpg rating: 25 city, 31 hwy.