Mazda Scores Yet Again At What Car? Awards 2005
Published: 22nd January 2005
Mazda RX-8
Best Coupe: Mazda RX-8
"This makes it two years in a row for the Mazda RX-8. The Mazda ticks all the important coupé boxes – and then some," David Motton commented.
"There’s the stop-and-stare styling, the 228bhp of punch, and pin-sharp handling for starters. There’s also something you might not expect from a coupe - real practicality."
What Car? commented that it will take quite a car to pick up the Best Coupe gauntlet from Mazda RX-8 next year: "The sleek looks disguise a second pair of doors and there’s more space back there than you’d credit - room for two adults to get comfortable.
"There’s even a decent-sized boot. The cabin is every bit as special as the exterior, and build quality is top-notch."
What Car? Road Testers praised the performance and the unique rotary engine: "The Mazda RX-8 is wonderfully agile, with keen steering and taut suspension that copes manfully with bumpy roads but is supple enough to be comfortable.
"The Mazda uses a rotary engine, which works brilliantly. The engine is smooth at low revs, but howls like a mad thing when you put your foot down. With 228bhp, there’s the performance to match the soundtrack. When we took the RX-8 to the test track it reached 60mph in 7.4 seconds."
Mazda delighted
Jeremy Thomson Mazda UK’s marketing director was delighted with this third successful year at the What Car? Awards: "Mazda is absolutely delighted to win Best Coupe for Mazda RX-8 and Best Estate for Mazda6 for the second and third consecutive years for these outstanding cars.
"Over 10,000 Mazda RX-8 sales in its first year prove there is a demand for such a unique car that is not just sporty but practical too.
"Attractively priced at £20,100 and £22,100 for the 192ps and 231ps versions they provide the elements of a truly exotic sports car. They bring real motoring excitement to everyday family life."
"Given the choice between a standard family saloon or a unique sports car with generous room for children, many customers with families are now choosing Mazda RX-8 to add some excitement to the school run, the supermarket trip and everyday motoring," Thomson enthused.
"The double success at the What Car? Awards tonight is a great start to 2005 for Mazda as we continue to add a little bit of zoom-zoom into everything we do," enthused Thomson.
Mazda RX-8
Our Mazda RX-8 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK RX-8 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price : £24,995
Body Style:
Fuel:
Model in the range: 1
We have road tested the Mazda RX-8, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda RX-8 Review - Feb 2005
Mazda RX-8 Review - May 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
