Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families, practical commuters.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Value Proposition:
Affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient compact car with a focus on practicality and ease of use.
Manual Advantage:
Official licensing ensures accuracy and completeness for DIY repairs and maintenance, saving on dealership costs.
Engine:
Complete engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and diagnosis
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panel repair, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, doors, latches, hinges
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component replacement, disassembly and reassembly
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, adjustment procedures, wiring diagrams, component identification
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Digital Format:
Software Application (likely searchable and hyperlinked)
Rendering:
High-resolution digital rendering, optimized for screen viewing and potential printing.
Physical Format Equivalent:
N/A (Software)
Physical Format Equivalent:
N/A (Software)
Engine Code:
B6 (1.6L), BP (1.8L), or similar variants depending on market and trim.
Displacement 1.6L:
1597 cc
Displacement 1.8L:
1839 cc
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC (depending on variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 88-98 hp (SAE Net)
Torque:
Approx. 90-100 lb-ft (SAE Net)
Horsepower:
Approx. 103-125 hp (SAE Net)
Torque:
Approx. 110-125 lb-ft (SAE Net)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 3.4 US quarts (3.2 Liters) with filter
Oil Capacity 1.8L:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter
System:
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors
Body Styles:
3-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.2 inches (2495 mm)
Length:
Approx. 166.3 - 171.7 inches (4225 - 4360 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.1 - 66.3 inches (1679 - 1684 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.7 - 54.1 inches (1365 - 1375 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2200 - 2450 lbs (1000 - 1111 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3300-3500 lbs
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 100 mm
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 175/70R13, 185/60R14, 195/60R14 (verify with specific trim)
NHTSA Impact Tests:
Data for 1990 models may be limited; later models showed moderate protection. Always consult specific model year reports.
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum standard. Optional ABS available on some higher trims.
Steering:
Rack and Pinion, Power Steering optional on some trims.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag optional or standard on higher trims for 1990 model year.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear seat belts (center) or 3-point rear seat belts depending on seating position and trim.
Chassis Structure:
Unitized body construction with front and rear crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player on higher trims.
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims, particularly with automatic transmission.
Power Windows Locks:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims.
External Ports:
N/A for this era (pre-digital connectivity).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for precise recommendations.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type.
Timing Belt:
Critical replacement interval, typically 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years for interference engines. Consult manual for specific engine.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for temperature range).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda recommends FL22 or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Vibrations:
Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration, especially at idle.
Rust:
Common on older vehicles, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around window seals.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts are common wear items.
HVAC Blend Door:
Actuator motors for HVAC blend doors can fail, leading to improper temperature control.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade over time.
Mazda Philosophy:
Known for sporty handling ('Zoom-Zoom' precursor), innovative engineering, and driver-focused design.
Generation Start:
The BG generation Protege debuted in late 1989 for the 1990 model year.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and many components with the Ford Escort (North American market) and Mercury Tracer of the same era, reflecting Ford's stake in Mazda.
Manufacturing Location:
Primary production often in Japan, with some models potentially assembled in other global locations.