Mazda RX-8
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Highly recommended. Storming four-door sports coupe. Great to look at and great to drive - the only downside is steep running costs.
Review
The RX-8's greatest appeal remains its uniqueness. Not only is it the only vehicle on sale in Britain to be powered by a rotary engine, but it also combines stylish coupe design with the practicality of rear "suicide" doors.
Behind the handsome looks it's impressively useful too. The cabin features both very funky design and a decent amount of space for four occupants, with the rear-hinged back doors making for easy access to the rear seat. It's even got a decently proportioned boot for something so sporty, although all-out practicality is limited by the fact the rear seat can't be folded down.
Dynamically the RX-8 is brilliant. The chassis is a fair bit softer and more compliant than rivals like the Nissan 350Z, but the overall effect is a car capable of combining decent comfort over broken British road surfaces with a wonderfully fluid driving experience. With perfectly weighted steering and exquisite chassis balance, the Mazda is a joy to hoon around twisty roads, and it's impressively composed on motorways, too. Don't go for the "PZ" handling kit, though - it costs a bomb and robs the suspension of its delightful compliancy.
The free-spinning rotary engine takes some getting used to. It's almost completely lacking in low-down torque, so rapid progress means making lots of use of the rifle-bolt accurate gearshift. But the motor loves to rev, with its turbine smoothness disguising the approach of the red line to the extent a buzzer sounds when it gets near. The entry-level 189 bhp version has noticeably less performance than the "high power" 228 bhp car, but it benefits from slightly better mid-range responses.
The big downside remains fuel economy. On official figures the RX-8 manages about 25 mpg, but few owners get anywhere near that - with enthusiastic use pushing economy below 15 mpg.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
The striking good looks are ageing well - the RX-8 still looks brilliant from almost every angle.
Handling
4 star
The chassis isn't quite as firm as that of sportier rivals, but over bumpy British roads it's probably the better for it. The handling balance is wonderfully neutral and the RX-8 stays predictable at the limit.
Comfort
4 star
Excellent for this class of car. The cabin is well constructed and comfortable over longer journeys, ride quality is good, too.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Well assembled and with a nicely designed interior.
Performance
4 star
The rotary engines make up for their lack of all-out urge with smooth manners and a real appetite for revs. Unlike anything else.
Roominess
3 star
Impressive for a coupe - rear seat occupants have reasonable legroom, although they have to look out through small windows. The boot is decently sized but practicality is limited by the lack of a folding rear seat.
Running Costs
2 star
Residuals are below average for the segment. Expensive to insure and fuel, too.
Value for money
4 star
Excellent standard equipment and competitive pricing offsets the high running costs - the RX-8 looks like excellent value compared to rivals.
