Mazda RX8
The Mazda RX-8 is the big sister of the MX5 and though definitely a sports car it manages to squeeze in four seats and an acceptable amount of space for those speedy little shopping trips. With ‘suicide’ rear doors, they open from the rear, and a rotary engine, it is full of unique design features that are both attractive and practical. Prices range from £20,700 to £24,000. The RX8 is available in a range of colours and is fitted with unique dark silver 18inch alloys with carbon fibre centre caps.
The Mazda RX8 has a sporty feel, which is reinforced by the low driving position and small steering wheel; it will certainly bring out the boy racer in you. The car has a 232bhp, 1.3 litre twin-rotary Wankel engine, which lacks a little in the acceleration stakes, but still performs well enough; reaching 60mph form a standstill in just 6.4 seconds.
Additions to the most recent models include the R3, which features Bilstein shock absorbers, high performance tyres on 19-inch smoky forged alloy wheels, electronic stability control, sport tuned suspension and foam-filled front suspension cross-members. There are also the standard extras, such as automatic climate control, keyless start, HID headlamps with rain-sensing wipers, an upgraded audio and Bluetooth.
On the down side its mpg is not too hot at 16mpg and the CO2 emissions are a hefty 299 g/km and though the Rotary engine packs some wallop you might find that it can be a bit of an oil guzzler when it gets the taste for speed.
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