The performance of Mazda Protege5 gets better as new models are produced. For 2003, improvement in performance is the stand-out change. The car is powered by a 2.0-liter 16-valve engine that can zoom for as high as hp at 6000 rpm and 135 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It is equipped with reworked rack and pinion steering and strut suspension for easier handling especially in sharp twists and turns.