Modified or Stock?
Rarely does a day go by when I don't see a modified vehicle. Heck, I sit in my boyfriend's revamped Volkswagen everyday! Whether it has tinted windows, a lowered suspension or an enlarged spoiler (or as I like to call the big ones picnic tables), modified cars are everywhere. And I am not just talking about tuner cars; I am also referring to off-road SUVs and trucks. It seems that stock just doesn't suffice. However, there are "modified stock" vehicles on
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| I just had the pleasure of spending some quality time with the new "modified stock" 2003.5 MazdaSpeed Protegé. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
the market today. and I just had the pleasure of tuning around town in the new 2003.5 MazdaSpeed Protegé.Modified stock might sound like an oxymoron, and I guess it kind of is. I've had numerous tiffs with the boyfriend with regards to this concept. I say, yes, it's modified, but it's still stock. He says it's modified, therefore it can't be stock. The debate continues; take it as you will.
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| The changes for the 2003.5/2004 MazdaSpeed Protegé are easy to miss, if you don't count the new Blazing Yellow color and rear spoiler. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
In Mazda's case, they took their popular stock Protegé, tuned it up, and came out with MazdaSpeed Protegé, a stock tuner car. This isn't an anomaly, as dozens of compact automakers are spicing up their smaller entries to entice my generation. Even Jeep got into the action, but with a completely different outcome, opting for ultimate off-road prowess as the final goal for their TJ Rubicon rather than on-pavement road-holding.
Initially, the MazdaSpeed Protegé came onto the scene in 2003. Since then it's received a few new nips and tucks, enough so that it was re-designated a 2003.5 model, identical to the 2004 version by the way. In the end the most noticeable differences are its two new colors, Blazing Yellow and Titanium Gray (added to Spicy Orange, the only available color in 2003) and the rear spoiler. Whether driving the 2003 or this Blazing Yellow 2003.5 Speed, the differences are easy to miss. But why mess with success, it looks great.
