Kevin Haggarthy samples the latest Mazda RX8 R3- the sporting drivers choice with a ‘practical’ twist
The RX8 has always been unique. Why? Well, its integrated two door /four door design allows rear seat passengers good access without compromising those sleek sporty lines. Front doors open in conventional fashion of course, but the rear doors swing outwards from the middle to allow you to slip into the rear in comfort. No need to twist, turn and bend then, as per nine out of ten other sports coupes on the road. That said, the additional door setup eases access for rear passengers only, as the back doors will not open without the opening of the front doors first; hence driver and /or passenger will have to get up or wait for the rear seat passengers to access the car first. It’s a design concept that’s worked well for Mazda since the original introduction of the RX8 in 2003.
Quite surprisingly, it is not a design feature that others have been inclined to copy into production - although some have experimented with the idea - bar the Rolls Royce Phantom that is, and that £350,000 monster is a very different kind of car.
Rotary engine
Another unique factor about the RX8 is the ‘R’ bit of the equation, denoting that the car is powered by a rotary engine rather than a conventional cylinder engine. The rotary engine is fuelled by petrol in the normal fashion, but is driven by Rotarys’ rather than conventional cylinders. This results in a small compact engine, extremely smooth and free revving whilst essentially lacking low speed grunt, will allow you to achieve exceptionally high speeds in lower gears, with the rev counter coming to its head at over 7,000 rpm, whereas most conventional engines run out of steam at circ 5,500- 6,000 rpm. It makes a nice whirry noise in the process too. Many enthusiasts are seduced by the sporty nature of rotary engines, or simply prefer it.
In terms of running costs and maintenance, there’s little difference to a petrol engine. Best to check servicing costs before you buy, and note that these engines have a reputation for gulping down oil, but they are also very reliable – not least because they are Mazdas.
Simply the best
Having personally sampled each successive generation of RX8, if you want the ultimate expression of the brand, look no further than this, the R3. It’s the best yet, and a truly great sporting drivers car, that’ll seduce you into its camp as soon as you get a decent turn behind the wheel. All Mazda needed to do to get this car properly sorted is what they’ve done to this R3 – stiffened up the body and suspension, improved the rigidity of the drive shaft, and modify the gear ratios. It works a treat on the road, where it matters most. Styling enhancements such as a new rear spoiler, side sills, fog lamps, slick alloys on bigger rubber, and a sporty front bumper finish the job off nicely.
A really good sports coupe is one that truly engages the driver, one that provides tactile driver feedback in a way that wants to make you drive the car for the added pleasure of simply that; ‘driving it’. The RX8 T3 understands the needs of the enthusiast, and delivers in great style. It’s a ‘smile a mile’ thing ; strong progressive acceleration accompanied by a sporting tone, slick gearchanges, and firm sure footed handling. Every once in a while a manufacturer produces a version of a good car that truly defines the model and is ‘the one to buy’. For the RX8, it is without doubt the new R3.
Mazda RX-8 (231ps) R3
Price: £24,995
Insurance Group: 16E
Power: 231 ps
Consumption (average) 24.6 (11.5)
Acceleration (0-62mph) (0-100km/h) in sec 6.4 secs
Top speed (mph) (km/h) 146 mph
Quite surprisingly, it is not a design feature that others have been inclined to copy into production - although some have experimented with the idea - bar the Rolls Royce Phantom that is, and that £350,000 monster is a very different kind of car.
Rotary engine
Another unique factor about the RX8 is the ‘R’ bit of the equation, denoting that the car is powered by a rotary engine rather than a conventional cylinder engine. The rotary engine is fuelled by petrol in the normal fashion, but is driven by Rotarys’ rather than conventional cylinders. This results in a small compact engine, extremely smooth and free revving whilst essentially lacking low speed grunt, will allow you to achieve exceptionally high speeds in lower gears, with the rev counter coming to its head at over 7,000 rpm, whereas most conventional engines run out of steam at circ 5,500- 6,000 rpm. It makes a nice whirry noise in the process too. Many enthusiasts are seduced by the sporty nature of rotary engines, or simply prefer it.
In terms of running costs and maintenance, there’s little difference to a petrol engine. Best to check servicing costs before you buy, and note that these engines have a reputation for gulping down oil, but they are also very reliable – not least because they are Mazdas.
Simply the best
Having personally sampled each successive generation of RX8, if you want the ultimate expression of the brand, look no further than this, the R3. It’s the best yet, and a truly great sporting drivers car, that’ll seduce you into its camp as soon as you get a decent turn behind the wheel. All Mazda needed to do to get this car properly sorted is what they’ve done to this R3 – stiffened up the body and suspension, improved the rigidity of the drive shaft, and modify the gear ratios. It works a treat on the road, where it matters most. Styling enhancements such as a new rear spoiler, side sills, fog lamps, slick alloys on bigger rubber, and a sporty front bumper finish the job off nicely.
A really good sports coupe is one that truly engages the driver, one that provides tactile driver feedback in a way that wants to make you drive the car for the added pleasure of simply that; ‘driving it’. The RX8 T3 understands the needs of the enthusiast, and delivers in great style. It’s a ‘smile a mile’ thing ; strong progressive acceleration accompanied by a sporting tone, slick gearchanges, and firm sure footed handling. Every once in a while a manufacturer produces a version of a good car that truly defines the model and is ‘the one to buy’. For the RX8, it is without doubt the new R3.
Mazda RX-8 (231ps) R3
Price: £24,995
Insurance Group: 16E
Power: 231 ps
Consumption (average) 24.6 (11.5)
Acceleration (0-62mph) (0-100km/h) in sec 6.4 secs
Top speed (mph) (km/h) 146 mph
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