The wife and I turn up at about 12.30 this lunch time at Brooklyn. Turned into the the dealership carpark and there it was with a couple of guys looking at it, one was Paul and the other a prospective buyer I presume.

When we approached it I wished I hadn't seen it ever before in pictures or the pre-pro blue one as it sort of spoiled it for me. If I can expain.....you know when you look at your own car on the drive everyday it looks nice but you've seen it a thousand times before hence that wow factor has more or less gone, this is how I felt when I seen it today although I know it's a stunner.

The car went out for a test drive for about 15 mins with the other guy before us, so I had heard it then when they pulled away. The sound was unusual, very much like a 4 cyl car but with a whine. It did look good pulling away and although it did sit lower than the blue one we have all seen before, I do think that it would be more suited to 19" alloys as the wheel arches are so big.

Our turn....

Getting in.....the first thing I noticed when I got into the drivers seat was the sports seats aren't really that bolstered in comparison to the Konig's in the R32, although still very nice I cannot comment how comfortable they would be over a long distance. Adjustment seem fine maybe a bit lower would have suited me more. Lights on the dash are a very nice touch and probably stunning at night. The clutch did feel light but probably wouldn't have noticed if others hadn't commented before, so I was more aware of it. Didn't stall

Driving.....I set off normally and changed gears as I would in my Audi Tdi "trying to save fuel mode" and didn't notice the lack of torque for everyday driving although I do admit if you wanted to overtake quickly then of course you've got to go down a few cogs. When we got onto the dual carriageway I did reach for the buzzer with my eyes straight ahead at the tacho..... never experienced anything like it before, it was like going on a plane but with a little less thrust as there was no noticable pull but just kept on picking up the revs. I knew we were going quite quick because we were overtaking other traffic, it just didn't seem quick. I can only put this down to the lack of normal engine/exhaust noise you get from other cars, if you have a sports exhaust you think you are going faster because its louder, thats my perception anyway. The closest car I've had to compare the sound to is a Mini Cooper S with its supercharger whine but then its still not the same.

Handling wise I didn't push it around any bends so no comment but it's certainly a lot softer than the R32 which can be a good thing on longer jouneys. Gearbox seemed a bit notchy which is expected for a new car but felt precise and close.

I've just asked the wife for any comments to add to this little review (please bare in mind that she is not into cars and gets a bit fed up at times with me changing our cars). Anyway she did say that its NICE. I did get a bit more out of her with the comments "its smooth but doesn't roar like an animal", I must agree with her on that point as this was my biggest concern. The R32 in my mind is the best sounding 6 cyl on the road bar the 996 with optional sports exhaust, so I love to blip the throttle, I cannot imagine doing the same with the Mazda. I believe that the RX8 needs a meatier exhaust.

My overall view of the RX8 is that it is a fantastic package for the price and if you want all that the RX8 has to offer there is no other competitor. But for me, I don't need 4 seats and I don't need a soft ride for long journeys but I am looking forward to my RX8 hopefully in October for its looks, its uniqueness and its individuallity.

Sorry if ther's any spellig mistakes as i'm getting tired now and i'm not going to re-read it:D

I'd just like to add. Thanks to Paul Gill for letting me test drive the RX8 today as I haven't ordered through Brooklyn (wish I had) so he didn't have to offer the test drive.

Enjoy the pics
Regards
Martin.

 

And another

 

another

 

Last one. Promise.

 

Sorry, forgot this one.

 

Thanks for the frank review 18ME. Sounds like you're impressed.

Must say that looking at the pics, there's no comparison on looks!!

That's the reason I decided against the R32 even though I was impressed with it's performance etc.....

By the way EVO ran a great review R32 vs RX8 sure you saw it.

Thanks again

Cheers
Oilman

 

I was impressed in most parts, obviously there will always be a compromise with whatever you buy.
Looks play a big part but if I could have everything then I'd transplant the R32's engine in the RX8. I'd better duck for cover as I know for a lot of people the whole point in buying this car is for the rotary engine.

As it was only a short drive I can't really knock it and I know it didn't win international engine of the year for nothing.

Yes, I agree that Evo's review was pretty fair between the two cars. The RX8 is difficult to compare to many cars as its got a lot of unique features hence it will probably always be compared with price brackets rather than type.

 

They made a film about this didn't they ...

now let me think ...

"beauty and the beast" springs to mind

 

Hey, thats my wife in the first picture:p

If you're talking about the R32,

Hey, thats my car. :D

 

Good review 18ME,

We seem to agree on a lot of points. Seeing the two cars side by side, the RX-8 wins hands down for looks. (I wanted to do the same with my Impreza, but the car park was too full on Saturday )

I've seen the car 3-4 times now, and it still "wow"s me everytime. I dont think the Tit grey makes it stand out as much as the blue/red etc though so maybe that's it.

I agree about the seats not being very bolstered, would need to spend more time in the car to see if this matters much. I also think a louder exhaust note when you rev hard would at least give the impression of going faster :D

Looking forward to my next test drive now...

 

Erm, not that I have anything against this review, but comparing the Golf R32 to the RX8 ? Really ? :o
I mean, I can understand that the R32 does have a little more punch, but the RX8 wins hands down in EVERY other department. And hey, if you need stiffer suspension plus lowering, 4 new springs wont cost you that much
And remember, the RX8 is NOT the respective RX7 of the new millenium. Its a "sports coupe/sedan" :D. Thats why its NA, and thats why it has smaller HP and torque figures than other strictly "sportscars" or "hot hatches"

 

I think the R32 is a good comarison as highlighted in the recent review by Evo.

rael

 

"Comparison" ? Maybe....."Good": no way

Its just like saying the MGF is a good comparison to the S2K. They both do the same thing, but there are big differences between them, not to mention performance, looks etc etc......

 

Its a much more valid comaprison than the 350Z or S2000 or whatever.


R32 seats 4 adults, has similar performance, and price too, OK there are differences but less than the similarities.

 

Hmmm, I dont know.......Personally, I wouldnt even consider comparing the RX8 to a Golf. The two cars that you mentioned (S2K, 350Z) would be a much more prudent choice for comparison......

Then again, I dont have any kids or family, so the +2 seats dont really matter to me.....

 

Comparisons are always personal.....as for me the R32 is a "good" comparison for my needs, as was the Boxster S a comparison to the R32 when I ordered the R32.

So no matter what you compare it to other people will always have different needs.

 

If when I approached the RX8 it was in red then maybe I would have thought "wow" but I can't change my mind now if I want to get one of the first cars, but you are probably right that the red does stand out more, well in pictures that I've seen anyway as I've not seen it in the flesh yet.


Got my next test drive on Monday at 11.00am:D
Its a low power one though, but at least I'll have driven both to compare.

 

18ME, how was the Low power compared to the Hi ?

AnilS.

 

Sorry, should have said next Monday week today, but i'll let you know how it was as soon as I get back from it.

 

Many thanks for the correction. I hear Leamington Mazda (where you ordered) had a pop at Brooklyn. Know anymore ?

Anil.

 

All i'll say is that I was lucky to get a test drive at Brooklyn

If Paul wasn't such a nice guy I wouldn't have.

I think its down to dealer politics and I'm not getting into that one:D