Saw this review today in the StarPhoenix. It would be in a bunch of other Canadian papers as well.

RX8: An effective prescription

Jim Kerr
The StarPhoenix

Friday, October 14, 2005

Black Cherry on the outside and beige leather on the inside. It's the only colour combination that the 2005 Special Edition Mazda RX8 comes in, and that's fine because it looks great. Other colours are available on the GS and GT RX8 models but the Black Cherry paint has small metallic flakes that sparkle like diamonds in the sun. It can also look like a dark burgundy colour under some lighting, but most of the time it looks black. Complete with a black grille, black window mouldings and body colour door handles, the Special Edition RX8 has a mean and hungry look.

The RX8 comes in two models. The GS with cloth interior starts at $36,995. The GT has the same equipment at the GS with the addition of leather interior for $39,995. Sunroof and Navigation system are options.

The Special Edition is priced at $40,995 and comes with leather interior but is equipped like the GS model, without sunroof or Navigation system. The special paint and bright finished alloy wheels are what makes the difference in the price. Freight adds nearly $1,200 to the base price of each car so our Special Edition totalled $42,190. This isn't a low-priced car, but it is a bargain for the performance it offers.

The RX8 is a sports car but we decided to test it as a family car. A weekend trip with two adults in front, two pre-teens in the back seat and three soft side bags, lawn chairs, beach umbrella and a variety of jackets in the trunk filled the car. Still, everyone had ample room. The first complaint was that the rear seats were too low for children, limiting rear seat visibility out the side windows. This was compensated for by good forward vision for all passengers.

The second complaint was the ride was on the firm side. I found it fine, but this is a sports car and bumps and rough road surfaces are felt in the seats. The low profile tires provide very little cushion but the steering response is sharp and accurate.

As a driver, I discovered three concerns with the RX8. First, it attracts attention. Even with the cruise set right on the speed limit, I was given close scrutiny by every law enforcement officer we met. The RX8's swoopy body styling makes it look fast even when parked. This is not a car to test speed limits with, although the 238 horsepower rotary engine will propel the car very quickly.

My second concern was with the fuel economy. The rotary engine used more fuel than I expected for a small, light car. It is rated at 9.2 litres per 100 km on the highway, but the best I achieved was 11.4 L per 100 km.

My third concern only showed up when we were running family errands on a rainy afternoon. The rearward opening back doors can only be opened after the front doors are opened. I had to sit with rain blowing in while the boys got in the back. I found this was a minor inconvenience similar to owning a two-door car.

Now for the good stuff. The RX8 is a blast to drive! The six-speed manual gearbox has a light clutch effort and a short throw shifter. The steering feels great and the handling is stable and light. The low weight of the rotary engine positions the car's mass low to the ground and nearer the centre of the body for excellent handling characteristics. Stability control helps if the car encounters some loose road surface. The engine torque is limited at idle, so it takes driver awareness to pull smoothly away from a stop every time, but once the car is rolling it pulls strong. A lower first gear in the transmission would help around town driving.

...Continued
Inside, the dash layout and controls are distinctive and sporty. The triangular shape of the rotary engine piston is copied in the dash design and on the seat headrests. The beige leather seats brighten up the dark interior and are also comfortable. I had ample room both in the front and back seats. This car can truly fit four adults.

A family car? I am sure Mazda didn't plan it that way. The trunk is small for long trips or large loads, but otherwise, the RX8 did great service as a family car. It also makes a great sports car when the family stays home.

2005 RX8:

- Configuration: Four-passenger rear wheel drive sports car

- Engine: 1.3-litre rotary engine producing 238 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 159 lb.ft. torque at 5,500 rpm

- Transmission: Six-speed manual

- Fuel Economy: 12.8 L/100km city; 9.2 L/100km highway

- Suspension: Front: double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar; Rear: independent multi link, coil springs, stabilizer bar

- Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS.

- Special Features/Options: electronic stability and traction control, electric assist power steering, Torsen limited slip differential

- Base MSRP: $36,995

- Price as tested: $42,190

 

42,000 huh? ouch, I am glad I live in the U.S.

 

thats 35,431 usd or there abouts and remember they have pissers