Model Update

There’s a tough decision for the Mazda buyer who requires something a little special and sporty. Regardless of which model you end up with, the vehicle will be very good indeed. However, the toss up between the latest MX-5, 3 MPS and the RX-8 is entirely down to preference. What the Mazda RX-8 has over the other two versions is out-and-out speed.

Developing a lusty 170 kW of peak power at 8200 rpm and 211Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, the Mazda RX-8 formulates a rapid ride…a ride that boasts harmony and accuracy in steering, ride and handling. The RX-8 Luxury model does offer a six-speed automatic, leaving the other Luxury model and the GT with a crisp six-speed manual.

Where the rotary engine really shines is in its upper reaches of its engine revolutions. Very capable at speed, you will enjoy pushing the RX-8 hard. It wants to be driven quickly, and feels its best at high speed.

Snappy interiors provide a beautifully exotic feel, and they are all very well equipped. The RX-8 Luxury provides its owner with electronic seats, otherwise everything you’d expect to be inside the latest Mazda RX-8, is.

RX is doctor’s shorthand – if you can read it – for a prescription. In Brilliant Black or Sunlight Silver, the Mazda RX-8 may be just what the doctor ordered if you are in need of a prescription for the blues.

To look at, the Mazda RX-8 is quite harmonious and beautiful. Clean lines and an uncluttered bonnet enhance its modern and sporty looks. And with both front and rear doors open (the rear doors on the Mazda RX-8 open backwards), you can get a clear view of the tasteful chrome and black trimmed interior. Having had a facelift featuring highlighted and more focused-looking new headlamps, hot alloy wheels and a deep, scoopy bumper/airdam

Once you are seated and comfortable on one of the four seats in the Mazda RX-8 (bucket seats in the front!), you are ready to take this little coupe for a ride. The leather-topped gearstick just begs to be handled as you put all six gears through their paces. And with a limited slip differential, traction is plenty. Cupholders have been provided for two, and if you take long loads such as skis, you will appreciate the boot through ski-hatch facility. The 6-CD autochanger Bose Premium Audio system coming through all nine speakers and remote controlled from the steering wheel will add to the immense pleasure of the ride inside the Mazda RX-8, and if you are waiting at the lights and want to straighten your tie/touch up your lipstick/comb your hair/check teeth for spinach, the illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors will come in handy (and the front doors have handy pockets to put combs or lipstick in – but maybe not toothbrushes! ).

The beautiful little Mazda RX-8 is not only an enjoyable coupe to ride in, it is also safe. Safety features provided as standard on the Mazda RX-8 include for driver and front passenger side and front airbags, curtain airbags, a passenger airbag deactivation system with a warning, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters in the front seats, and a fasten seatbelt reminder. Head restraints are provided for all four seats – the front ones are integral – and Isofix rear child seat preparation has been provided, making the Mazda RX-8 a car safe enough to take a small family in with peace of mind. The updated Mazda RX-8 has been given an extra safety edge with increased body rigidity. The updated Mazda RX-8 has been given an extra safety edge with increased body rigidity for onboard safety.

But no matter how good a car looks or how practical the interior is, it won’t do any good unless the engine performs. Under the very attractive bonnet of the Mazda RX-8 lies a small and powerful 1308 cc rotary engine. This fabulous little engine is capable of gunning the car to a very respectable top speed of 235 km/h and hustling from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds thanks to a maximum power of around 170kW and a maximum torque of 211 Nm. The Mazda RX-8 averages 24.8 miles per gallon, so perhaps is a bit thirsty. Mazda rotaries always have been, but this is not why you buy a car such as this.

Handling in the new Mazda RX-8 has been improved with the tighter rear suspension and a lower diff ratio to boost the acceleration. There’s a lot of the “woohoo!” factor in driving the Mazda RX-8.

Like all coupes, the Mazda RX-8 has a main down-side in the form of size. While it is a safe car for families, it is not overly large, so would be unsuitable for families with older children, who would be rather cramped in the back seats. It is, however, a delightfully enjoyable sports car that has all the advantages of a coupe: good looks, speed and superb handling. Forgive me the stereotype, but the Mazda RX-8 would make a great car for a professional woman – it’s practical, beautiful and fun.

The current model series includes the:

• Mazda RX-8 Luxury
• Mazda RX-8 GT

For any more information on the Mazda RX-8, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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