standard features we (N.A.) dont get on the MP5
 

Hmmmmmm...... Lets see ABS w/ Electronic Brake Distribution, Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Heated mirrors, Side Impact Airbags, Perimeter Alarm, and sunroof standard! All for 13,995 pounds and not to mention 10 different colors to chose from.

i assume you are talking pound sterling, as in Great Britain (UK)? if that's the case, 13,995 pounds sterling is about $23,000 USD. would you be willing to pay that much for a protege5, even if it had all that stuff?

The 323 Estate Sport as it is called in England does not get the same body kit as we do, it is ugly with square foglights, and it also got a bad write up in the car magazines

European companies often add premium features to compact cars because high gas and registration prices discourage people from buying bigger cars. U.S. and Canadian compact car buyers generally buy small cars because they're cheap; if they had more money, they buy a mid-size sedan or small SUV, they don't add gizmos to a compact car. Therefore, carmakers have to keep prices low because a higher price will put the buyer in a competitor's showroom. Mazda already learned this with the 95-98 Protege ES; it had a sticker price about $2-$3k higher than most of its competitors, and it sold about as well as sand in Saudi Arabia. :rolleyes: