All-new Mazda RX-8 R3 review
No gimmicks required in the new Mazda RX-8
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
Specs, prices, pictures and review of all coupes on the UK market.
Prices, specs, pictures and review of all performance models on the roads.
The new-generation Mazda RX-8 R3 unveiled earlier this year will hit British showrooms in late August, but there are no options available on the car.
If looks alone guaranteed success for any car, the Mazda RX-8 would be a sellout. The 1.3-litre rotary engine with 229bhp is a big plus too.
Mazda refreshes RX-8 four-door, four-seater sports coupe with new styling, improved driving dynamics and a sports package.
What are you burbling about you prat? The engine note is clearly subjective and rear seats in the RX-8 are no good for large people.
So lose weight or buy another car! The RX8 is a great car (for the money, and even Clarkson liked it.) I´ve owned one for 3 years and am buying a new one. Not everyone can afford and Aston or a Lambo.
Someone else who hasn´t read the review properly. Where does it say the RX-8 isn´t a great car? Pointing out that the rear seats are cramped - which they are - is hardly slating a car.
At 6´2' and 280 lbs I fit in back seat without issue, fortunately however I, being the driver, am entroned in the front which is really what this car is all about.
Mark - I hate to see an adult get into that rear right seat when you´re driving.
excellent point,not much rear leg room with the front seats back completely. Ok for kids and average to small adults.
Rx8 is superior to any other comparable sports car .. which other car has a 1.3L
You got to stop worrying about little poncy things like the rear seats. If you want something with room, buy a saloon. simple solution. as for real drivers and lovers of the car, you put all of the flaws out of your mind and have fun with 9500 RPM!!!
There ya go Matt!
how many RX-8 R3 made for U.S.
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there are serious errors in this report, I own a 230, in no way does the engine ever sound harsh, it is turbine smooth all the way to 9500 rpm! As for room in the back, I am 5ft11' and my two 5ft 10' sons sit in the back with ease. Reporters huh, why do they make obvious mistakes? By the way the RX8 is one serious sportscar!