Mazda RX-8 5 Speed 192ps Review

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Mazda RX-8 5 Speed 192ps
4.4 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.4 out of 5

From 5 ratings and 15 reviews

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simoneyre's Review of Mazda RX-8 5 Speed 192ps

2nd Nov 2005

Overall Rating

5 stars
  • Value for money
    5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 Months
  • Performance
    5 stars
  • Reliability
    4.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2005
  • Doors
    4
  • Practicality
    4.5 stars
Good Points

Build quality
Interior
Specification
Engine
Looks
Service
Value for Money


Bad Points

Fuel Economy (it's a sports car after all)
Regular Oil Changes
Rear visibility


General Comments

I ordered my Mazda RX-8 and had to wait about 16 weeks due to a backlog of orders. Was it worth the wait? You bet it was! What a fantastic motor!!

I ordered mine from Drive The Deal over the Internet, and opted for full leather and red mica paint. I got about £1600 off the list price, which, considering the local dealer in Ipswich laughed when I asked for any discount, is a very good deal for an in demand car.

Having previously driven a Lexus IS200, and before that a Vauxhall Calibra, I immediately found the RX8 delivered the best of both these cars. It's sporty, quick off the mark and exciting to drive, but has the refinement and quality of the Lexus.

It's road holding is astounding, and when you get used to it, driving up to 9,000 revs before changing gear becomes a real buzz. The rotary engine sounds as sweet as a nut - more a motorbike scream than a V8 type roar.

The controls are neat and tidy, and the driving position is comfortable, especially for a coupe. There's plenty of room inside, and my two kids fit in the back easily, with loads of elbow room and places to store Barbies and Action Men. It's easy to get people in and out of the back seats, and easier to put the child booster seats in than it is in my Lexus. Hence the 9 for practicality, although it is a coupe so don't expect MPV room. The boot is surprisingly large, although the opening is quite narrow so you can get lots in it, but nothing big.

Fuel economy is poor, but no worse than you'd expect for such a fast car, and still better than a guzzling 4x4. Having to top up the oil every 200 miles or so is a bore, but gives you an excuse to look under the bonnet and marvel at how they get so much power out of that tiny engine.

Am I happy with my purchase two months on? You bet! I've still got a big smile on my face when I drive it, and I'm still discovering its true character. Would I buy one again? Absolutely!

One word of warning. As the car's still a little unusual on the roads you'll get lots of admirers. Be prepared for the crowds to gather round whenever you open the rear doors, and the Fiesta-on-steroid drivers trying trying race you at every opportunity. Watch them keep pace until they have to change gear at 4,000 RPM whilst you carry on accelerating!

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