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Motability

Mazda RX-8 Coupe 189 bhp

What Car

For:
Has long been one of our favourite coupes, mainly because it looks great, drives brilliantly, and has reasonable practicality. The R3 is more expensive, but it's still worth it.

Against:
High emissions put both the R3 in the top bracket for company car tax; steering adjusts only for height.



Performance

Mazda is the only manufacturer to use a rotary engine, which uses spinning rotors rather than cylinders. The 1.3-litre unit in the R3 produces 228bhp, which means performance is strong, with a high 9000rpm rev limit and distinctive sound. The R3 has a six-speed gearbox that makes you want to swap cogs just for the joy of it.

Ride & handling

Balancing the ride and handling of a sporty car is a tricky job but one Mazda has pulled off. The low-speed ride is firm but not jerkily so and the R3 is very comfortable at high speeds. But it's the body control that truly impresses: no matter what the surface or how tight the corner, the RX-8 just keeps on gripping.

Refinement

There is a very distinct note to the rotary engine when it is revved. The sound has a pleasing edge that lets the driver know the car is working hard. Road and wind noise is isolated well from the cabin and the RX-8 makes a good long-distance cruiser as well as a fine back-road blaster.

Buying & owning

The R3 undercuts the equivalent Audi TT - but not by much. Given the amount of standard equipment, the Mazda is good value. Only the car's fuel economy and emissions spoil things, with the RX-8 falling into the top 35% company car tax bracket.

Quality & reliability

Being a Mazda, owners can expect clockwork reliability and build quality that is extremely good. The cars we have driven have been constructed with care. The rotary engine should present no problems because Mazda has been building it for decades and it has won a reputation for durability.

Safety & security

Even though there is no central door pillar, the rear door's leading edge is heavily reinforced to create a 'virtual' pillar when closed, for safety in a side impact. Twin front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are stability and traction controls. The RX-8 has followed other Mazda cars and scored reasonably well in our security tests.

Behind the wheel

The driver of the RX-8 has electric adjustment for the seat, helping towards a great driving position. Steering adjustment is for height only but most drivers should be able to make themselves comfortable. In true Mazda tradition, all the controls are logically laid out in the stylish cabin.

Space & practicality

Mazda's clever reverse-hinged rear doors allow excellent access to a pair of individual rear seats that can accommodate adults with ease. There's also a reasonable boot that can cope with a couple of suitcases, making the RX-8 a very practical for a coupe.

Equipment

Mazda has loaded the RX-8 with plenty of kit. Foremost on the list is the superb Bose sound system with no fewer than nine speakers and excellent sound quality. There's also climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels. Optional extras are limited to metallic paint, electric sunroof, leather seats and satellite-navigation.

Running Costs

Town mpg

19

Out of Town mpg

34.9

Average mpg

26.7

Tank Capacity (gallons)

13.4

CO2 Rating (g/km)

267

Insurance Group

15

Typical Insurance Quote

£610

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

43

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£502

Pence Per Mile

62

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1005

Servicing Intervals

12,500

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 6yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Coupe

Number of Doors

4

Number of Seats

4

Engine (cc/type)

1308/R2

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

189/7000

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Rear

Length (mm)

4430

Width (mm)

1770

Height (mm)

1340

Boot Space (min ltr)

290

Boot Space (max ltr)

290

Turning Circle (m)

10.6

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1420

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