New Mazda RX-8 R3 review
Author: Robin Roberts
Published: 14 July 2008
If looks alone guaranteed success for any car, the Mazda RX-8 would be a sellout.
But what lies under the curvy coupe body is just as impressive in the right hands.
The 1.3 litre engine pushes out a remarkable 231ps thanks to its minimalist design and light weight and while it sounds busy it seems unburstable.
Full credit must also go to the light and direct six-speed gearchange, developed from that in the MX-5, and the beautifully balanced brakes and electrically assisted steering.
The major controls impart remarkable feel and feedback over twisting roads and the compliant sports suspension generally soaks up bumps without too many jarring the interior.
The traditional mid-ships front engine and rear wheel drive accounts for a lot of this fine balance, particularly over bumpy roads, and its big wheels and tyres give it tremendous grip.
Room in the front seats is very good even if the Recaros are a tight fit for some users but the rear pair is of very limited practical use with virtually no legroom when the front seats are set for six-footers.
Excellent visibility meant the Mazda RX-8 R3 could be placed very precisely on the road and so long as you exercised caution reversing into a parking space with the small back window and high tail, it was nimble.
The engine note is generally smooth but can become harsh at higher revolutions while the big tyres also generate a modest amount of rumbles.
It is, however, a pleasant addiction to hear that unique engine spinning away while the car eagerly responds to the gentlest of steering and braking inputs. It feels extremely well sorted.
The Mazda RX-8 R3 gives so much, so well from so little you can understand why it doesn’t need anything else.
Mazda RX-8 R3 Milestones
Mazda RX-8 R3
Engine: 1.3-litre petrol, rotary, 231PS
Performance: 146mph, 0-62mph 6.4 seconds, under 25mpg, CO2 299g/km, VED Band G £400
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