Mazda RX-8 Review

With the demise of the RX-7 in 2002 Mazda launched their rotary powered sports coupe - the RX-8 in 2003. Not designed as a replacement to the RX-7 (that is still in development) but to carry on the RX name - RX stands for Rotary Sports. The pillarless 'suicide' rear doors allow easy entry and exit to the rear seats yet allow the RX-8 to retain coupe looks.

For years rotary engines had gained something of a reputation for being thirsty and unreliable but the RX-8 was a good enough package to tempt those over to the pistonless world. The rotary engine is both lightweight and compact keeping weight down and allowing ot to be mounted as near to the mid-front as possible. The two triangular rotors spin in ellipsoidal chambers providing a more efficient use of energy than the reciprocating motion of a piston. The RENESIS (RE (Rotary Engine)'s GENESIS) engine found in the RX-8 under-went a number of changes from the 13B found in the RX-7, to improve reliability and efficiency before going on to win 2003 Engine Of The Year award.

The engine was available in two states of tune - 189bhp and 228bhp costing £19,995 and £21,995 respectively when launched. The 230 model is the one to go for feeling sprinting to 60mph in 6.0 seconds. The FE3S chassis has been well developed to and is one of the best handling in comparison to it's TT-alike competition. In common with many new cars steering feedback isn't absolute but it's still a real buzz to drive.

Only time will tell whether Mazda has solved the longevity issues with their rotor tips, but one thing that has come up is the thirst for oil. Initially Mazda recommended owners check the oil every 1,000 miles but many owners have felt the need to check the dipstick every time they fill their car up with fuel. And this is something you'll become acustomed to returning around 24mpg and expect this to drop further if making progress.

Keenly priced, impressively styled and great performance the RX-8 is a rewarding car to own, but it will require a little more attention than a piston engined equivalent might.