Mazda RX-8 Review
Published: 14th February 2005
Mazda RX-8 Review
The Mazda RX-8 was launched in the UK in October 2003 and has taken the UK sports coupe market by storm. With the introduction of the RX-8 Mazda have created a 4-door, 4-seat coupe that is both practical and exciting to drive.
At the heart of the RX-8 is the RENESIS rotary engine which functions in a totally different way to a conventional internal combustion engine and was developed by German inventor Felix Wankel a man who didn't hold a driving licence or an engineering degree.
On his death Mazda Motor Corporation continued to develop engines without valves and connecting rods according to the Wankel principle. The result is the RENESIS engine - the most powerful non-turbo Mazda rotary engine.
The RX-8 is available with a choice of two power versions the entry
level producing 192 PS and the flagship model producing 231 PS.
Prices range from £20,500 for the 192 PS model and rise to
£22,300 for the 231 PS model.
As motoring journalists we drive a large number of cars every year and sadly you do become immune to the novelty of a new car - but this was not the case with the RX-8 we couldn't wait to drive it.
Mazda RX-8 Review Road Test Data | |
| Model Reviewed | Mazda RX-8 High Power (231 PS) |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Colour | Winning Blue Metallic |
| Performance ~ manufacturers figures | |
| 0 - 62 mph | 6.4 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 146 mph |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Economy ~ manufacturers figures | |
| Urban | 18.1 mpg |
| Extra Urban | 32.5 mpg |
| Combined | 25.2 mpg |
| Insurance Group | 16 |
| Euro NCAP Rating | TBA |
| Warranty | 3-years or 60,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from date of registration, with unlimited mileage in the first year |
| Price when tested on the 14/02/05 | £ 22,300 OTR Car as tested £ 24,125 included Leather upholstery - includes power driver's seat and heated driver and front passenger seats £1500 Metallic paint £325 |
