Starting at just under €40,940 the stunning four-door coupe (yes it has four doors) is a laugh to drive and gorgeous to look at. People buy Coupes to make a statement and only a few actually deliver on the promise of a thrilling drive so get ready to re-mortgage.
There are two huge talking points with this stunner and let's face it if you are buying one of these you'll end up talking a lot about it.
The first and most obvious is the clever four-door design. The rear 'Freestyle' (Mazda-speak) doors are in the classic Citroen 'suicide' mode. They are hinged backwards and unlike older variations this Mazda is safe as the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.
When closed the rear door lock into the car's shell and increase structural rigidity. Inside there is genuinely room for four adults and the age-old coupe problem of getting in and out of the back seats is now child's play.
The most interesting thing for me about the RX8 is found under the bonnet (you know... the place where nobody looks). Under the beautifully sculptured hood you'll find a remarkable petrol engine that is available in 192bhp or 231bhp (€48,600) versions.
The rear wheel drive RX8 features the award winning Mazda 'RENISIS' rotary engine (originally invented by Felix Wankel). It doesn't use conventional cylinders and has a tiny cubic capacity of just 1308. The nature of the unique way the engine burns its fuel means that it has the roughly the same poke as a conventional 2.6 litre. Unfortunately you don't pay 1.3 litre road tax but a compromise of 1755cc.
Inside the engine is a single triangular shaped rotor that sweeps the air and fuel mixture along through each part of the combustion cycle. So intake, compression, ignition, combustion, and exhaust cycles all take place in different places inside the housing.
So the car looks the part but can it go? Yes. The RX 8 goes like stink when provoked and better still it is predictable on the twisty bits too. The suspension is a little on the soft side, which is fair enough for our roads but enthusiasts will want a beefier set up.
On twisty country roads the RX 8 is a blast. The rear wheel drive set up can be lively particularly in the wet so it is recommended that you leave the switchable DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and Traction Control on. The RX 8 has a slight tendency to 'tramline' i.e. the tyres follow any grooves/tracks in the road but it is a small price to pay for such fun.
The RX8 is almost as much craic as the Opel Speedster Turbo and that's saying something! The only downside to the remarkable engine is its thirst and the fact that at slow speed and on start up the engine can be a little 'lumpy'.
Inside, the RX8 doesn't disappoint being just as the exterior suggests with sporty dials and well-laid out controls. There is loads of standard kit in the entry-level car. Four airbags/ Air-con/ Cd etc. plus reasonably supportive sports seats. The higher-powered version gets a six speed (not five) gearbox, extra toys and leather.
The only let down is the massive transmission tunnel that forces your clutch leg to battle for space when getting in to the motor. The pedals are offset to the right and fairly close together so when shopping choose your size tens carefully.
So is the RX8 is fantastic but is it the ultimate mid life crisis car?
No, because it isn't one! The RX8 is a very practical car. The boot can hold golf clubs but so can most cars I hear you say.
Well get this for carrying capacity - I went to a gig in Castlebar in the RX8 and managed to fit in my 'Bull Islanders' partner Alan Shortt plus two guitars, one piano keyboard, a stick bass guitar, one huge costume bag, a stuffed suit carry case, a keyboard stand, a cardboard box full of bits and pieces plus two large flower pots (don't ask!) and before you ask nothing was on Alan's lap!
The RX8 was a great mile muncher and now we both want one. The Mazda RX8 is simply great so buy one if you can.
- Michael Sheridan
RTÉ Guide
