Mazda

RX-8

For an adrenaline-packed ride, look no further than the Mazda RX-8 with its incredible power, style, practicality and award-winning engine technology. Guaranteed to turn heads, you will be hooked on this spacious model in seconds.

The good

Beautifully styled with a performance to match

The bad

Not that economical to run (but who cares!)

Tech Specs

Price from

£24,478

Combined Fuel up to

24.6mpg

0-62 from

6.4 seconds

max speed up to

146mph

co2 from

299g/km

Test Drive

Mazda RX-8 High Power

Boasting eye-catching good looks, beautifully-crafted streamlining and an engine that roars like the Lion King, the Mazda RX-8 is certainly not for the faint- hearted.

Crammed to the roof with quality specifications the vehicle boasts a sporty feel from the second you enter the cabin. It has, for example, a stubby gear stick, a dazzlingly-designed dashboard with a centre piece digital speedometer and beautifully-lit dials and controls that are perfectly positioned for driver comfort.

Creature comforts include a sat nav system, climate control, electric windows and a great sound system as well as a comprehensive safety package.

This features anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, a reinforced cabin with strengthened pillars and doors, plus plenty more.

But equipment levels aside, the RX-8 is all about performance and drive, and believe me, it doesn’t disappoint at all.

Although, I wouldn’t usually drone on too much about engines and cylinders, the RX-8 is the exception to that rule.

You see, this vehicle is fitted with a twin-rotary engine that has become the Mazda trademark. Instead of pistons, valves or cylinders there are two rotors that spin and set the revs soaring with almost no vibration.

This produces awesome power and helps deliver a drive that constantly leaves you questioning whether the RX-8 is fitted with only a 1.3-litre engine. The answer is yes.

And on top of that, it delivers ample power to generate a truly edge-of-the-seat ride complete with breath-taking acceleration and superb road-holding. The RX-8 is also very agile which makes it great fun to drive in busy congested traffic too.

Unlike many rival models, the RX-8 actually does have room for four adults to travel in comfort, and although the boot is not the most generously sized out there, it will easily accommodate smaller items of luggage.

All in all, the RX-8 is outstanding value for money and is guaranteed to put the fun-factor back into motoring again.