Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co.’s appointed Mazda president, was given the mission to fix Mazda and make it profitable. He seems to be making sensible changes.

After years of selling Proteges in the United States in relatively low numbers, Mazda finally has produced a car that can seriously challenge the ubiquitous Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, masters of the small, low-cost, quick-witted sedan.

The 2001 Mazda Protege ES2.0 offers fantastic cornering and a firm ride for would-be racers.

The new 2001 Mazda Protege ES2.0 is powered by a fine double overhead camshaft 2.0 liter, 16-valve, 130 hp engine linked to a five-speed manual transmission which could use the sixth speed found in the Miata. The engine turns over at a high 3,400 rpm at 70 mph on the highway, although passing above this speed doesn’t run it out of breath. It just revs more. This engine meets U.S. ultra- low-emission vehicle standards.

The suspension, steering and low-profile tires offer fantastic Miata-like cornering with a firm but acceptable ride. This is a fun combination to drive and makes it hard not to want to get there before you need to. The $15,535 ES2.0 is an adrenaline pumper suitable for would-be racers who can’t afford a BMW — San Diego’s back roads beckon. It is refreshing to have a European experience from a small Japanese car. The men and women who terrorize the freeways with their aggressive driving of Honda Civics and Volkswagen Golfs may well latch on to this car.

Inside the car the instrument panel gauges immediately attract attention with their white faces and retro 1930s sports car appearance. The shifter looks great and is fun to use with its short throw and feeling of precision in the driveline. The seats adjust to your body and although the driver sits slightly low, it is easy to find a comfortable driving position. The interior is quiet except on certain road surfaces when tire noise intrudes, but not badly for a small inexpensive car.

The five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment; an automatic costs $800. Other standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes; power door locks, windows and mirrors; fog lights; cruise control; and aluminum wheels. A premium package including a power glass moon roof, side impact airbags, antilock brakes and floor mats costs $880. An upgraded radio with six-disc changer in dash costs $500.

Mazda also offers DX and LX versions equipped with the less powerful 1.6 liter 103 hp DOHC engine. Offered at competitive $12,765 and $13,485 prices respectively, these are competent but ordinary cars. Mated to Mazda’s automatic transmission they are a little short on strength, and the transmission is not as crisp as it might be. One of these will work for a college student or those who seek a car that is well made, inexpensive to buy and operate but lacking adrenaline.

“Zoom, zoom, zoom” sings the computer when one clicks on a Mazda ad online. And indeed the company should be singing about the ES2.0 Protege tested here, the even newer $18,020 140 hp Protege MP3, the $16,335 five-door Protege 5 and the $26,195 Special Edition Miata. This is a new and refreshed family group, sharing engine derivatives, full equipment and a sporty feel.

It is not clear to me why Honda, Toyota and Nissan have over the years outsold Mazda in this market segment, but the ES Protege has all the elements of a tough competitor and should be up there with the others. If you like a little driving excitement along with your basic transportation, check it out.

The local Mazda dealers — Hine Mazda, Cush Mazda, Westcott Mazda and El Cajon Mazda — will gladly give you a zoom, zoom, zoomy test.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.