The Mazda RX-8 was officially launched in Malaysia just this year; 6 years after it was launched worldwide. Prior to this, those who wanted an RX-8 would need to get one from a grey importer without any service support from Mazda. Most people assume that the RX-8 is the successor of the highly rated FD RX-7. However, Mazda actually designed the RX-8 as a totally new car.
Exterior & Design: The RX-8 is a sports car in essence. It is low and aggressively styled with flared wheel arches on all four corners. The most outstanding feature is the pair of rear-hinged doors which Mazda calls the ‘Freestyle Door System’. So, the RX-8 is actually a four-door sports car which improves on its functionality. In Malaysia, the RX-8 comes with 18” alloys as standard.
Exterior & Design: The RX-8 is a sports car in essence. It is low and aggressively styled with flared wheel arches on all four corners. The most outstanding feature is the pair of rear-hinged doors which Mazda calls the ‘Freestyle Door System’. So, the RX-8 is actually a four-door sports car which improves on its functionality. In Malaysia, the RX-8 comes with 18” alloys as standard.
Interior: Three big instrument clusters dominate the dash and the steering is wrapped in leather giving it a luxurious feel. All the seats are wrapped in leather as well. The two rear-seats are full-sized bucket seats which will fit two adults comfortably. Overall, the interior feels well appointed, comfortable and snug. The RX-8 comes with a 6-disc CD changer with AUX input. In the USA, the GT & R3 version comes with 9-speaker Bose system with Centrepoint & Audio Pilot technology designed for the acoustics of the RX-8.
Engine: This is the only production sports car currently fitted with a rotary engine. This sports car features the ever-unique 1.3-liter RENESIS rotary engine which is capable of 211 bhp and 211 Nm of torque. The car features a unique variable red zone in the tachometer that moves according to engine conditions, helping to prevent over-revving when engine temperature is low. The RX-8 can rev up to 7,500rpm, but if the engine is not hot enough, it will limit the revs in order to protect the engine. There are actually three levels of rev-limit, and if the car is cranked from a cold start, there will be another level of rev limiter which limits the rev up to 5,000 rpm only.
The Drive: The RX8 is really a fun car to drive. It's nice for cruising, and it has got the power when you need it. When you are up for spirited driving, the handling won't fail you although I have not really tested its full-potential yet. However, the RX8 is not a fast car on straights. I tried a 0 to 100kph run, and it took almost 9 seconds to reach the century sprint.
Conclusion: The RX-8 is a truly unique & one-of-a-kind sports car with its RENESIS rotary engine and 4-door configuration. Priced at RM233700 for a new car, I cannot think of any other new car which offers the same level of sportiness, versatility & exclusivity at this price.
More info: http://www.mazda.com.my/rx8/overview.aspx
Rivals: Volkswagen Eos, Golf GTI, Alfa Romeo GT, Honda Civic Type-R, Subaru Impreza STI
Special Thanks: This Mazda RX-8 review is courtesy of Sam Lee.
Visit Samlee’s blog @ http://www.samlee860407.com/2009/07/my-car-is-finally-here.html
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