Compared to the other rides in its class, mazda should make it faster but it looks good. I'd pick a different color though. Not the yellow/orangish color...

Mazda has never been about speed. That can be left to the enthusiasts - upping the boost won't be too difficult.

Mazda makes the best handling cars stock - their chassis design is one of the best.

ie: see RX-7, Miata.

For the price and what you get, there isn't much out there that would surpass it.

or.. you can just get a midship turbo car and be done with it

Well, after going to Mazda and checking the specs, I was right... the Mazdaspeed is basically just an MP3 with a bolted on turbo. Given its 9.1:1 compression, I'd imagine there isn't a LOT of headroom with boost. Its got a T25 turbo, which is pretty small. I suppose you could raise the boost to one bar, but I don't think that the engine with that high a compression would be too happy.

For comparison, see the WRX -- 2 liters, with 8:1 compression and running 13.5psi is making substantially more power. You could raise the boost on the Mazdaspeed, but with the T25 and relatively high compression, I wouldn't expect it to be all that easy.

Now, as far as stock goes, I'd say the Spec V looks like a nice alternative. Its less pricey (you can bet the Mazda will be marked up, Nissan is probably available under MSRP) and they perform pretty close. Heck, if I was going after something easy to mod, I'd probably do the Neon (except that I don't care much for the Neon).

I think Mazda has a nice idea, but I think they should have invested a little more money in a better turbo motor.

Looks sweet...would like to see it in Black

the thing was that MAZDASPEED wasnt given too much money to work with. the intercooler is actually from a diseal? euro protege, which is (the intercooler) VERY SMALL. if mazdaspeed had more money to work with, i'm sure theyy would have put low compression pistons in that sucker, rasie the boost, and maybe...jus maybe used a bigger turbo.

mazdaspeed + racing hart + callaway tuning = mazdaspeed protege

Actually Mazda makes pretty shitty chassis... compared to Hondas and Toyotas they flex a lot more. Their beauty lies in their highly sophisticated suspension systems that really helps the tires claws onto the pavement and soak up mid-corner bumps so well.

My old MX-3 can take mid-corner bumps better than the new RSX, or Celicas... I can testify to that.

Mazda is also the ONLY japanese car company to win the LeMans..
speed isn't everything..

01coupe ; yes u're right, not the chassis, but the suspension.

also, is SCC they mentioned mazdaspeed intentionally limited engine output to protect the transmission, which has not been strengthened.... so an increase in boost could lead to some bad tranny damage... secondly a guy up here owns a 2003 MS Protege and he payed sticker for it....