Racy RX-8
It’s not all smooth sailing with Mazda’s new rotary as Ken Llewelyn finds out.

Mazda is riding high.

The Hiroshimabased company is manufacturing very well engineered and commercially popular cars.

Former Wheels Car of the Year, RX-8 should have been icing on the cake but after a week I was not enamoured with the rotary.

The shape, for a starters, is very distinctive, but it does not work for me.

And the innovative front opening back doors, is more a styling gimmick than useful option. The reality is the back seat is temporary accommodation for adults.

Two large doors with seats sliding forward would do the job equally well.

The rotary engine first appeared in 1959 and more than 100 companies expressed a strong interest in the concept.

Suzuki, like most other manufacturers, ditched the Wankeldeveloped rotary engine – only Mazda bravely persisted.

And although the latest twin-rotor variant is very smooth and develops considerable power it lacks torque and has a healthy thirst for premium fuel.

Easy riding

I tested the RX-8 from Canberra to the coast and on the open road the car really shines.

It is very easy to drive quickly with superb road holding and at night the lights were beyond reproach.

The ride is excellent with just the right amount of suppleness.

The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension is firm but never harsh. And the steering is beautifully weighted and pin sharp.

Standard equipment includes climate control, CD stereo, normal power systems and cruise control.

The test car was equipped with the leather pack which added a nine-speaker Bose sound system, electric driver’s seat, leather trim, fog lights, drilled alloy pedals and xenon he

adlights.

On the manual-equipped car it adds a considerable $6440 to the bill.

Under the bonnet

The twin rotary, which only displaces 1.3 litres, pumps out a very healthy 177kW. And very early in the test I managed to push it to the 9200 rev limit.

It feels more like an electric motor, but the engine needs to be revved because of the lack of low-down torque.

And a real plus for the RX-8 is the delightful six-speed box.

In similar manner to the MX-5 the short, positive shift meant cog swapping was a real pleasure.

Safety first

The RX-8 is beautifully balanced with nearly 50/50 weight distribution which gives sure-footed security on the road.

The cabin features a prominent backbone that extends from the instrument panel to the back of the car.

This provides the basis for an exceptionally strong and rigid body.

The RX-8 has dual front, side and curtain airbags, traction control, ABS brakes, DSC (dynamic stability control) and a limited slip diff.

And the brakes were superb – totally unfazed during a series of high speed stops.

Distance to servo

You need premium fuel but the 62 litre tank’s range is reasonable.

Average economy on test was 13.0 litres/100kms but other road reports indicate economy is savaged with a heavy right foot.

Before you buy

The RX-8 is heavy on fuel and the engine needs to be revved to achieve real performance. The large middle dial combines a conventional tacho with a digital speedo enclosed.

As it is so easy to exceed the speed limit in this car, I believe a separate speedo is warranted.

This is a car I would not consider buying.

I could not fault the driveability of the RX-8 but too much of the car appeared to be style over function.

Nissan’s 350Z, although more expensive, is far more appealing.

Fast facts

Standard six–speed manual $56,170 With leather pack $62,610 Engine 1.3 litre twin rotary 0-100kmh 6.2 secs Average economy 13.0 litres/100 kms Warranty Three years/unlimited kms