I am excited. Even LegendaryMrsDude is excited. So in txt spk, you could say that "We RX-8ed". Get it?
But why are we excited? Well, its nearly that time - the time when the contract on my beloved Honda Civic Type-R runs out and I send it back to the garage. For the last 3 years it's carried me over 50,000 fun-filled miles and I really thought I would dread it when it's time came to an end. But I'm not - and I've got to thank Mazda for making it this way.
I've started looking for something worthy of replacing it. This could be a long process but the first in line is the Mazda RX-8, the latest 2+2 seater sports car from Mazda. It's only for a test drive, but in 4 days I've put it through as many scenarios as I can manage and the words you find here are based on my close scrutiny and extensive testing.
If first impressions count ...
LegendaryMrDude 13.11.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mazda RX-8
I love cars! I love something with a little 'poke' and something that's got fun factor. Looks are quite important too.......and the Mazda RX-8 ticks all of these boxes.
I became the owner of a second-hand 2 year old 192bhp 4 door version a month ago and I like it. It sticks to the road like brown stuff to a blanket......you can do a good 80-90 mph round a sharp bend without losing control of your sphincter and feels very safe and controlled. Steering is quite stiff but very responsive and, again, gives you that feeling of control.
It looks good too.....very sleek in profile and a bit of a beast from the front view. The interior is 'ok' but could be better. There's a lot of plastic but it's not too crringeworthy. The 6 CD multi-changer is a nice bonus and the Bose sound system is crisp and clear and does not distort ...
rotty64 14.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mazda RX-8
Advantages: Affordable, impeccable handling, styling, standard features, power, fun factor, driveability, usability (a true everyday sports car) Disadvantages: gas mileage, lack of low end torque, Mazda service
9500 rpm limit. The torque could be more fantastic and to really get it going it takes a bit of revving, but with an engine this orgastically smooth revving is 50% of the fun. Not to mention the fact that the RX8 weighs in at a feathery 1309kg which means even with its diminutive torque, it's acceleration is swift with 0-62 mph coming up in approximately 6.0s. That other 50% of enjoyment lies in the perfect handling. With a weight distribution of 50/50, a stern chassis and incredibly communicative, light yet powerful steering this machine begs to be thrown into the corners. It glides through the bends as you shift down, accelerate through the apex of the corner and hurdle onto a straight where you fly on towards a top speed of 150mph. The sticky y-rated potenza tires help to keep the car on the road and even if all that grip gives out ...
eweibmanm 25.12.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mazda RX-8
