First of many
 

And manufacturers are responding to the demand. Introduced in May 2001, the Mazda Protegé5 was the first of a new group of sporty hatchbacks to arrive on the market. The Protegé5 has been followed by the Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Spectra GSX, Ford Focus ZX5, Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix.

Though first to market, the Mazda Protegé5 sets a standard that is difficult to beat.


I found the above Canadian Automotive Review, and it makes a very good point.

it certainly does....WE were the first....WE have set the standard to meet.....everyone else is just copying a good thing TRYING to get a piece of the market.....

its OBVIOUS which is the best. :{D