Mazda RX-8 Saloon 2003 - Present

The Mazda RX-8 is one of the very few cars to use a rotary engine. they have a tendency to be somewhat thirsty and often suffer reliability problems. Mazda claim to have dealt with the reliability issues and come up with a car that offers loads of smooth power and almost unlimited revs.

Climbing into the RX-8 you are instantly surprised at the amount of room available to both front and back seat passengers. The fact the rotary engine is much smaller than a conventional engine means that there is more space to give the occupants of the cabin and Mazda have used this room very wisely. The engine itself is mounted very low in the engine bay which contributed to the low centre of gravity that it enjoys, and really contributes to the car's great handling. The tyres grip the road like glue under all but the most ferocious driving, but when there is any shortage of grip the RX-8 behaves in a perfectly controlled manner and offers little to concern the driver, only thrill them. The suspension is a tiny bit too firm for total comfort but the drive is so engaging that you are scarcely aware of it and will find that all of your concentration is focussed on the run of driving.

The rotary engine comes in two levels of tune, 192 bhp and 231 bhp. The former can get to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and top out at 139 mph with it's more powerful brother making 6.4 seconds and 146 mph. there is little to choose between the engined on the road and as the power increase is almost linear, you get few surprises from the throttle. The engine is supple and willing from low revs right through to the mega high top end, north of 9000 revs.

The RX-8 offers something different from the herd in many ways. It's got room for four people to enjoy the ride of a small sports coupe, although the driver will be having the most fun. The rotary engine offers something a bit different in the way it feels and the way it drives. They are not that rare on the UK's roads but there are not that many there, so why not try something a bit different.

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