Jeremy Clarkson
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From
January 27, 2008
Mazda RX-8
Rating 
Verdict Great value; ideal for the follically challenged
The Mazda RX-8 is hugely amusing, partly because of the rear doors, which open backwards, and partly because it is so much fun talking about its Wankel rotary engine. You’ve no need to explain how this works, because after you’ve said the name people are usually too busy laughing to be listening.
In essence, though, you get a sort of triangular shaped “piston” that spins round in a vaguely circular cylinder. The upside is uncanny smoothness, but the downsides have always been thirst and unreliability.
Mazda says it has addressed all those problems in the latest car, and that’s good, because the upsides are better than ever.
It delivers an astonishing 231bhp and just gets better and better as the revs begin to climb.
It has brilliant rear-wheel-drive handling, too; you sit in the middle wondering why all cars don’t feel this way. So balanced, so right and omigod I’ve just gone past 7000rpm again and it’s all gone blurry.
The best bit of this car, though, is the price: £22,000 is remarkable value for money. As a practical proposition: well, it’s not a people carrier, but you do get a decent boot and two smallish seats in the back. And with those doors, even the fattest children in the world can get in.
Current price £23,000
Price when tested (Sep 2003) £22,000
Engine 1308cc, rotary
Power 231bhp @ 8200rpm
Torque 155 lb ft @ 5500rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel/ 24.8mpg (combined) / n/a
0-62mph 6.4sec
Top speed 146mph
I nearly bought one, but was turned off by the test drive. The car is fast, but doesn't feel it. Where's the fun in that?
I found a used 911 instead - less creature comfort, but it's a boatload of fun and screams like a banshee! It was cheaper too!
Graham, Seattle, USA
love my rx8. good fun in wet with traction control of. gotta get a proper one if you do.231 bhp 6speed
jamie vance, wallington, england
the car is awesome mpg isn't great but i dare you not to drive it with a big smile on your face ,the combination of grip & power unbeatable for the price get one today !!!!!
Graham, wirral,
Don't buy this car if you don't want to be noticed. "Nice car" is a daily comment and people even approach you in car parks to discuss its amazingly good looks and features. And what a car to drive!!! It sticks to the road like the proverbial whatsit to a blanket. You cannot help but love this car, but at just over 21 mpg (which is was I get), its not exactly the most economical car in the world. But what the hec - life is not a rehearsal, so enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Dawn Davies, Prestatyn, Denbighshire
cracking car, i own one, so i would say so. anyone who buys one will not be dissapointed. You know it has poor MPG before you buy it, so dont complain later.
Ollie Wilkes, Livingston, Scotland