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.
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
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