Mazda RX-8 Review
Published: 21st May 2007
Mazda RX-8 Review
The Mazda RX-8 was introduced to our shores in October 2003; we last looked at the RX-8 in our in-depth Mazda RX-8 review (February 2005). Occasionally we like to take another look at the cars we review to see if we have missed something or if there have been any significant improvements. Of course it does help when the car is a sports coupe.
There are quite a few sports coupes to choose from but what makes the Mazda RX-8 unique is not only its totally unconventional RENESIS rotary engine but it has four doors. On reflection Mercedes Benz now has a four door coupe the CLS, but this is a different kettle of fish and in a different price bracket.
Again we chose to drive the 231ps (high power) version, which is the most powerful of the two RX-8's; there is also a 192ps (low power) edition. We were going to drive the PZ version which was jointly developed with the motorsport company Prodrive, and specialist component suppliers Bilstein, Eibach and OZ Racing.
Mazda’s brief to Prodrive was to build on the remarkable attributes of the standard Mazda RX-8 and create a special model that delivers greater driver involvement and an even more rewarding motoring experience, with enhanced ride and handling, while staying true to the original concept and without compromising the car’s passenger comfort as a unique four-seater sports car. We will take a look at the RX-8 PZ at a later date.
Mazda RX-8 Review Road Test Data | |
| Model Reviewed | Mazda RX-8 High Power (231 PS) |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Colour | Stormy Blue Mica |
| 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 21/05/07 | £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 |
