 |
|
 |
| Test Drive: A Trio of Mazda's |
|
|
RX-8
It's safe to say that Mazda's RX-8 has reached legend status when it comes to affordable sports cars. In current form, it's been around for several years now, but still looks great and has performance that is exploitable on a daily basis. At the heart of the RX-8 is Mazda's 1.3-liter RENESIS 2-rotor rotary engine, which puts out 232 hp at 8,500rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 5,500rom. Power is put to the rear wheels and the suspension layout follows the sports car recipe of double wishbones in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. Brakes are ventilated discs front and rear and the RX-8 can be had with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. One annoying thing is that if you order the automatic, you lose 20 horsepower.
The RX-8 loves to rev, and you get a nice linear rush of power from right around 3,000rpm all the way up through a lofty 8,000rpm. It sounds great doing it too - not a typical exhaust sound, but a zingy mechanical whir from the rotary engine that is pleasing nonetheless. The manual gearbox is also a pleasure to use, with short, precise throws that make you look forward to shifting. Braking feel is excellent, and the steering feel through the wheel is decent, though it could be better. Handling is also very good, though it lacks some of the on-the-limit feel and communication that you get from cars like the BMW 3 Series and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. Overall though, this car is very satisfying to drive. One problem is that it really sucks down the gas, which isn't helped by the fact that you're always encouraged to rev the motor to get the rush of power that is so compelling.
Inside, the RX-8 has more room than you would think it would from the outside. My two daughters were able to fit behind the front seats and I was still able to drive, which is always a litmus test in small, sporty cars. They thought the rear doors were pretty cool too. Headroom is a bit of an issue but not bothersome enough to really annoy, though it would be nice if the RX-8 had a roof like the BMW Z4 coupe, which has a raised area above the drivers head. The interior ergonomics are also good, but some could say the design is a bit overstyled.
The RX-8 can be had in three different trim levels - Sport ($27,030), Touring ($30,130) and Grand Touring ($31,665), which gradually add various luxury options. I would opt for the base Sport model and spend the saved money on some of the Mazdaspeed parts that are offered for the RX-8. I liked this car enough that even with the lack of headroom and the poor gas mileage, I will seriously consider buying one when the time comes to replace by current ride, a BMW 325i. I loved the performance, the look of the car and the view over the hood from behind the wheel. It's also a great value for the performance and excellent driving dynamics that come with the package.
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
