Hey, just got back from MotorDriveLive.

The RX-8 was there in blue with the cloth interior (no formula women stickers though).

Spoke to two different reps, and here are some of the things they said:

Power is down cause of emissions.
Mazda is apparently organising an event for all pre-orders in August so they can drive the car.
Insurance should be either group 16 or 17. Not more than 18.
Fuel consumption is 26MPG urban (not sure I believe this one)
Customers cars will be here 8th september.
Dealer demonstrators will also be here on 8th sept.
At the moment the blue one is the only one in the country.

Once I told the rep that I was a pre-order, he let me sit inside the car. It is very nce inside and the driving position is very good. The amount of headroom is good although because of the bump in the footwell there is not much space to rest your foot beside the clutch.

Still the gearchange had a nice feel to it, as did the rest of the controls.

I was suprised by the ease at which I got into the back. Also once I was in there was enough room to make me comfortable. The main drawbacks are that is dark in the back and that although my feet had lots of space my knees were up against the back on the drivers seat.

Still, these are minor complaints and overall I was very pleased with what I saw.

If I think of anything else I will let you guys know.

Shahpor

I've just got back too and here are my thoughts:

1. The 350Z is not a pretty car. Today was my chance to finally decide between the Mazda and the Nissan. The RX-8 walked it! The RX-8 is GORGEOUS and possibly the best looking car of the show. It does look better in reality as so many people say. Some of the angles that look awkward in photos come together beautifully in 3D.

2. A slight complaint about Mazda UK. Firstly why is there only one RX-8 in the UK? This is unforgiveable. Secondly, the rep I spoke to first didn't know all he should about the car (option combinations for example). Thirdly, the car was situated in a dark corner of the main building (inside) which was hardly showing it off well. Fourthly, I had a long conversation with the Mazda rep, explained I was a pre-orderer and asked if the car was open to be sat in. He told me no, it was locked and I went away. 30 minutes later I returned and he'd opened it up for someone who'd just wandered up and expressed an interest!!! I got my pre-order confirmation out of my bag, showed him it and said 'can I now sit in the car please' quite firmly. He STILL ummed and ahhhed before agreeing. I could have dropped the arrogant little man there and then!

3. The interior is marvellous and easily the best I saw all afternoon (blows the 350Z away as expected). I released the handbrake and it doesn't get in the way of the gearstick (this is a Japanese RHD car). The gear change is slick, small and sweet, you'll all love it. The instruments were in shutdown mode so were glowing a very low blue - even that was impressive. The seats were cloth but comfortable and hugging. I'm 6'1" and had no headroom trouble at all (no moonroof). From the outside the rear windows are tinted almost black (they didn't know if this is a standard feature) and it gave no clue that there were rear seats. You can't see the rear seats from the front of the car. The rear door closed with a satisfying 'clunk' but the driver door was dull and 'dead' feeling.

4. The front number plate was a full width one and REALLY suited the car. Even though I've got a reduced width number available I'll still use the full width plate because it adds to the front end (amazingly).

5. Winning Blue is very nice and suits the car well. However, in my opinion it is slightly too light for MY taste (only just mind you). Having said that, if I'd ordered a blue car then I wouldn't think about changing: it is really good.

6. The rear door shut lines are not an issue. They merge into the body so well that you'll be pleased they're there.

7. The rear end is a lot lower than it appears in some photos. It's a good looking car from the back and doesn't look like a 'shopping mobile' as has been suggested. The rear lights are superb and I look forward to seeing them on.

8. The 18" wheels are in perfect proportion with the body and look magnificent! The brakes are impressive to say the least (visually).

9. The steering wheel is quite small compared to my current car and has a slightly light feel (not turning it, just holding it).

10. The audio system and climate controls do NOT look like a cheap jukebox (as was suggested) they look well made, well laid out and impressive.

11. The front of the car is beautiful, that nose and the wheel arches are great.

12. I'm bowled over with enthusiasm now and fully back on the team guys. Nissan will lose my order very soon and I won't have the slightest regret about losing the 'Z'. The RX-8 is fantastic and none of you should think about cancelling despite the power question. The looks and build quality alone are enough to lust after and even 0-60 in 6.5 seconds will be fun in this machine I promise you. It's the car of my dreams and I didn't expect to say that. Whoo-hoo!!!

Well, both rep's that I spoke to didn't want to open the car, but when I mentioned that I was a pre-order they seemed willing enough. Although, the second guy didn't want anyone else sitting in it.

He also said that the tinted glass was standard on UK models as well.

I must admit that it did look very good. It was a little too dark in the building to show off the colour, but the proportions were good.

One complaint I had about the exterior is the ride height. Not the ground clearance, which I thought was good as I was worried it might be too low, but the wheel arches. There was so much space between the arch and the wheel that it could have been a 4x4! Maybe it was just that specific car though.

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
Well, both rep's that I spoke to didn't want to open the car, but when I mentioned that I was a pre-order they seemed willing enough. Although, the second guy didn't want anyone else sitting in it.

He also said that the tinted glass was standard on UK models as well.

I must admit that it did look very good. It was a little too dark in the building to show off the colour, but the proportions were good.

One complaint I had about the exterior is the ride height. Not the ground clearance, which I thought was good as I was worried it might be too low, but the wheel arches. There was so much space between the arch and the wheel that it could have been a 4x4! Maybe it was just that specific car though.

Shahpor

Well you're hard to please! I saw no problem with the suspension height. It looked just fine to my eye and it WAS raised on a platform as you know so I'm surprised that I didn't notice. I took some video of it so I'll have a look and decide if you're right.

Well have a look at your video and let me know what you think.

I am not saying that it is terrible or anything, just that if there is one thing I don't like about the exterior, this is it.

Couldn't find anything else to complain about! :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by Lensman
1. The 350Z is not a pretty car. Today was my chance to finally decide between the Mazda and the Nissan. The RX-8 walked it!

You really didn't like the 350Z?? I have never liked it in any pictures I have seen, I didn't even want to like it but I thought it looked gorgeous, from just about every angle, even in that yucky bronze colour. I even went as far as asking the rep what the earliest delivery would be if I ordered now (April 04 apparently, which is too long to for me to wait) in spite of the fact that it's really more than I want to spend and the inconvenience of no rear seats would probably annoy me after a while.

However, I agree with you about the RX-8's styling - it looks great in 3D especially the front end. In particular the front wheel arches can look a little exagerated in pictures but in real life they are perfectly proportioned. I am also an instant convert to freestyle doors idea. They are just incredibly cool and I completely take back what I said about wanting it to be a conventional 2+2 coupe. Oh and I love the transmission tunnel/backbone chassis thing. Makes the interior feel really snug and sports car like.

I am also delighted about the news on insurance groups, which was a big thing for me.

If I also had an order on a 350Z I would have a horribly difficult choice to make. But I haven't and I am now more excited about the RX8 than I have been for months. Basically, if this thing drives as good as it looks I'm having it.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I'm so pleased you're impressed and welcome back on board!!

I was bowled over the day I saw the photos from Laguna Seca and I WANTED ONE! I love the look and concept of this car.

One question:

How low is the front of the car? 5-6inches clearence? and what did you think of the stance "ready to pounce"?

Oh, one last thing, any comments on the boot size?

Any Pics???????????

Cheers
Oilman

Originally posted by oilman
How low is the front of the car? 5-6inches clearence? and what did you think of the stance "ready to pounce"?

Oh, one last thing, any comments on the boot size?

Any Pics???????????

Cheers
Oilman

It's low but not seriously so. You won't lose parts on speedbumps. The radiator is well protected too.

The stance is great! The only cars with a similarly good stance were a Viper that was there and the Honda S2000. It genuinely looks fast standing still. The vertical curve of the sides is amazing too, just beautiful. It will look fabulous in red but I saw an S2000 in grey and realised I'd made a good choice too. 'Elara Green' will look just right and I wish I'd had the guts to gamble on it.

I didn't take any stills because the car was in such darkness and flash bounce would have ruined the images. I got some video and I'll try and capture some relevant frames if I get time.

Originally posted by ChrisW
If I also had an order on a 350Z I would have a horribly difficult choice to make.

That choice has been hanging over my head for months and bugging the life out of me quite frankly. I really hoped that I'd not like one of the cars today and the nightmare scenario would be loving both but the 'Z' just doesn't hit my spot whereas the RX-8 certainly does. Combine that with the awesome audio system on the Mazda (coupled with a quiet engine) and most importantly for me the sat-nav (I got lost between Cambridge and Millbrook today!) then it's a no brainer. I'll happily lose the slight performance difference for all that.

Originally posted by oilman
Oh, one last thing, any comments on the boot size?

Not huge but certainly not tiny either. Very useable. Slightly better than the 350Z's which is very shallow due to the huge strut brace. It extended further forwards into the car than I thought it would. It also has an indentation in the floor, which is where the space saver tyre would go for those markets where they don't have the puncture repair kit.

It looked about the same size as my Prelude (4th gen) boot, although the specs say it's a about 3 square feet less.

Originally posted by ChrisW


It also has an indentation in the floor, which is where the space saver tyre would go for those markets where they don't have the puncture repair kit.



that's not correct. the tire mounts with some bracketry all the way forward and up against the parcel shelf. that indentation is for a cargo tray to keep things organized and from rolling around in the boot. there are 2 versions available from Mazda as accessorries.

thank you both for your wonderful comments on the car, they make the waiting that much more tolerable here. Lensman welcome back from the Darkside :D

I have to say that 'ready to pounce' is a good disciption for it! :)

What surprised me about the radiator is how far back it is mounted from the front.

I have to agree with Lensman about the height as well, shouldn't be a problem.

Shahpor

Another thing is that I drove a S2000 for the first time today.

If the RX-8 drives anything like the S2000, it should handle really well and be great fun to drive.

Have to say though that my favourite car for the day that I drove was the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo. Talk about extreme! :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
Another thing is that I drove a S2000 for the first time today.

If the RX-8 drives anything like the S2000, it should handle really well and be great fun to drive.

Have to say though that my favourite car for the day that I drove was the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo. Talk about extreme! :D

Shahpor

You obviously got in the queues quicker than I did! I made the mistake of checking out the 350Z and the RX-8 before queueing and ended up with a Volvo C70 convertible (VERY quiet and quite quick but eternally naff!) and a bloody Rover 75 estate: Doh! There was nothing else left. I didn't mind though, my mission was already accomplished. I found it really amusing that even to reach the car park I had to drive around a banked track. That put me in the right mood. Did you see the promo girls in the blue catsuits? Hideous, every last one of them. ;)
Tell you what though, I had my eyes opened to driving possibilities. I took a pro-drive in a turbo-diesel Volvo saloon, that's a few laps on the high speed handling circuit with a pro driver at the wheel, they give you a lid largely for effect I think. Anyway, this was no blistering car yet he kept it on the tyre squeeling edge (whilst keeping up a conversation), following in the wheels tracks of a Focus RS and impressing me mightily. If you'd told me I was in a Caterham I'd have believed you, it was VERY VERY quick indeed and I'd never have begun to expect it. The precision of the driver's control was awesome, he was millimetres off disaster at all times and we both chose to ignore the fact and pretend it was a ride in the country.

Originally posted by shahpor
Another thing is that I drove a S2000 for the first time today.

If the RX-8 drives anything like the S2000, it should handle really well and be great fun to drive.

I really liked the S2000. I didn't even think it lacked torque so I guess I won't have any "low torque" problems with the RX-8. Of course you have to use the revs, but then it is a sports car. What I didn't like was the terrible din from the engine above 6000 revs (and I'm used to Honda VTEC's). If I owned one of these couldn't see myself using the full performance very often for that reason alone. This, of course, is where the RX-8 should score with it's ultra-high reving but also super smooth rotary engine.

I also drove the Hyundai V6 Coupe (no, don't laugh!). Its actually very nice in spite of the badge and it's apparently the UK's best selling coupe. But I reckon it's going to have it's work cut out competing against the low power RX-8 which only costs £1500 more. Makes you realise how competitively Mazda have priced this car when they can think about taking customers from Hyundai!

Yeah, I got there really early in the morning. Still didn't get all the drives I wanted. :(

Still, the main aim was to see the RX-8, so I am not too disappointed.

The hot laps were great. Went on the Auto Express stand and got driven round in a Subaru Impreza STI. Amazing car, very fast and handled great. Couldn't believe the speed this guy was taking the corners at.

Wanted to try the Ariel Atom, but it broke down and wouldn't start! :mad:

Shahpor

Interesting to hear all of your comments guys. Keep them coming.

Can we assume this will be the car at Canary Wharf then?

Makes my decision all the more difficult :D

Originally posted by MarkW
Interesting to hear all of your comments guys. Keep them coming.

Can we assume this will be the car at Canary Wharf then?

Makes my decision all the more difficult :D

It is the only RX-8 in the UK for the forseeable future so yes it is the MotorExpo show car. I confirmed this with the rep. You really MUST see it because you don't know what you're dealing with until you do.

Shahpor, I checked my video and you were right about the suspension height. It's not too bad but noticeable when you pay attention. Hopefully this is a pre-production anomaly.

Originally posted by Lensman


It is the only RX-8 in the UK for the forseeable future so yes it is the MotorExpo show car. I confirmed this with the rep. You really MUST see it because you don't know what you're dealing with until you do.

Shahpor, I checked my video and you were right about the suspension height. It's not too bad but noticeable when you pay attention. Hopefully this is a pre-production anomaly.

I hope it is only a pre-production anomaly. I can see problems otherwise as if you try and lower it then you end up not being able to get over speed bumps.

One other thing, the rep I spoke to second claimed that the car wasn't pre-prodution, but was a Japanese spec production car! I don't think this was the case, at least I hope it is not true.

Still have to say that it could be a production car as the fit and finish were very good.

The rep also told me that this will be the same car at the Motorexpo. Guess I will be seeing it twice then. :)

Shahpor

One other thing that I have just remembered.

The first rep let me look under the bonnet. What is under there is mostly what you see in the pictures.

What struck me was how light the bonnet was. I know people have mentioned how light it is, but I forgot about that until I lifted it and then wondered if it was on gas struts. I almost dropped it before I realised that it wasn't. :D

Another slight annoyance is that to check the dipstick you have to remove the plastic engine cover first. Not a big deal but a little more tricky then I would have liked.

Still the engine looks even more compact and smaller than it does in the pictures.

If I think of anything else I will let you know.

Shahpor

Compare the suspension height of the show car with the height of a production Japan car. Not entirely different. It didn't jump out at me as a problem though as you know. We've been looking at images of the car for months and this hasn't been raised as an issue so I would welcome other opinions.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/phil.white1/RX8/rx8_030511_meeting_01.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/phil.white1/RX8/front.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/phil.white1/RX8/back.jpg

You are corect about the emptyness between the tyres and the wheel arch. Apparently the suspension will be lower on the uk cars according to the one guy I spoke to today. He said the ride height is higher on Jap cars which is the car that was here today.

I am a bit annoyed reading through this thread though as I asked to sit in the car but was told that no one is allowed to sit in it as its the only car in the country and they don't want anymore damage to it. Yet some of you got to sit in it, and I did mention that I'd ordered one, I wish that I had pushed him now:mad:

I did complain to the organisers though about the lack of decent cars to drive. I got there about 1.15pm, went to the breifing then out to book my 6 drives. Firstly Lotus had completely booked out within 30 minutes. Next the VX220 same situation, S2000 all gone. I was not a happy bunny but at least I'd get to drive the 147 GTA (I thought) what a joke, Alfa had 10 cars altogether, 5 were diesels, a couple of 1.6's and a couple of 2.0's and only one V6 and that was the 147 GTA so no chance. Next was Jaguar, they offered me a 3.0 X-type which was ok but I've already borrowed one before, all the V8's were gone. I decided to compain to the organisers which is unusual for me as i'm usually typically british and put up with it, but I'd paid for 6 drives for my brothers 40th birtyhday present so I felt bad for him. I did get to speak to the guy in charge of the event and got all the normal spiel saying that it's a first come first served basis but he tried his best to get us in some cars. I got a XK8 and a Lotus and my brother got an S-type 4.2, Lotus and a StreetKa and I did blag the Civic type R that they were using for the hot laps after they had finished, but even after these it didn't leave enough time to use all 6 drives. Anyway we went to see if anything could be done regarding our last 3 drives each. The girl was freindly but couldn't do anything and there were quite a few people in the reception area at the end of the day complaining that they had their last drive cut short because they closed the test track early, so the guy in charge decided to refund everyone there that still had unused drives left.

So the moral is that it paid to complain this time.:)

Sorry to go on....but I do have a pic for you:cool:

whooops.....

Hey 18ME, were you with a couple of other guys? I spoke to someone by the RX-8 who was storming off because the Mazda rep wouldn't open the car. He said he'd complained to the organisers about the lack of drives and we had a short conversation in the entrance to the building. Was that you???

On 18me pic it looks like it only has one exhaust whereas all the other pics I've seen has it with two. Is it just the angle on the picture or do some only come with 1??

No, I was quite civil to the Mazda rep. Only when I got back home and read on here that some people had got inside it, that I felt annoyed.
At the time I felt fair enough if nobody's allowed in.

I know what you mean about the drives. I only managed to get in 3 of the 6 drives that I booked.

Still wasn't too disappointed as I wanted to try the S2000 and the VX220 Turbo, and I did get to drive both of them.

I hope that you are right about the suspension being lowered for the UK market. I had forgotten exactly how bad it was until I saw the pictures again.

If the ride height is not changed before it comes to the UK, then if it is really a problem the only solution I can see that wouldn't lower the car too much is fitting bigger wheels but not changing the profile of the tyre. The only drawback to this solution, apart from the cost, is that the wheels would have to be hugh (19 or 20 inch), and would screw up the rolling radius.

Still I hope it doesn't come to that. Probably be so happy to get the car that I won't care about the ride height. :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by AndyPearce
On 18me pic it looks like it only has one exhaust whereas all the other pics I've seen has it with two. Is it just the angle on the picture or do some only come with 1??

Fear not, it has two. I inspected them both closely! That car doesn't have the headlight washers or fog lights that we will get as standard in the UK. It had cloth seats too (I know this as I was one of the privileged minority who got inside it - after sufficient whinging!).

The ride height is not that bad and I looked the car over for a long time without noticing any problem. It was only after the event that I went looking. It really didn't ruin the look of the car to my mind and chances are we'll get a lower vehicle anyway. Having the car on the stand didn't help because the wheels were artificially off the ground and so the view was odd.

Maybe your right. I don't think it will be that big of a problem anyway.

Will have to check it out when I see the car again at the Motorexpo. :)

Wonder if they will let me sit in it again? As soon as I mentioned the magic word 'pre-order' they reluctantly let me sit in it last time.

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
As soon as I mentioned the magic word 'pre-order' they reluctantly let me sit in it last time.

Yes well it didn't work for me first time and only worked the second time because I caught another punter in the car (two of them) and produced my pre-order notification. Did I mention that the second rep stated that anyone who is interested enough to pre-order will happily wait until September to see inside the car. Grrrrr....

I have to admit that neither of the rep's were particularly friendly and only opened the car reluctantly.

I hope the ones at Motorexpo are better.

Also, the first rep didn't know about the forum. Once he heard about it though, he took down the address and said he would check it out.

Shahpor

Also did you notice that the car had Bridgestone S0-3's on? I asked the rep about these, but he didn't know which tyres it is suppose to have.

I was under the impression that the car will come with Bridgestone Potenza RE040's.

I hope it doesn't come with the RE040's as I have personally experienced these tyres and didn't like them much.

Apart from not griping very well, they generate a lot of road noise.

Considered doing a couple of track days to scrub them so I can get a new set of tyres! :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
Also did you notice that the car had Bridgestone S0-3's on? I asked the rep about these, but he didn't know which tyres it is suppose to have.

I was under the impression that the car will come with Bridgestone Potenza RE040's.

I hope it doesn't come with the RE040's as I have personally experienced these tyres and didn't like them much.

Apart from not griping very well, they generate a lot of road noise.

Considered doing a couple of track days to scrub them so I can get a new set of tyres! :D

Shahpor

A friend has RE040s on his Elise and they seem OK but the 350Z owners in the USA are removing their's and putting Michelin Pilot Sports on. Expensive but apparently a whole new ball game.

Honda Civic Type R's have RE040's on. A mate of mine just got his changed for Toyo Proxies. Made a hell of a lot of difference.

Michelin Pilot Sports are the tyres that I want as well.

Still have to wait see how they turn out.

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
Another slight annoyance is that to check the dipstick you have to remove the plastic engine cover first. Not a big deal but a little more tricky then I would have liked.


That sounds very annoying - you would think they could have put some sort of cutout in the engine cover.

Did you actually remove the engine cover and is it easy to do?

Originally posted by ChrisW


That sounds very annoying - you would think they could have put some sort of cutout in the engine cover.

Did you actually remove the engine cover and is it easy to do?

Didn't actually remove the cover, but it seemed relatively easy to do.

Shahpor

One other thing is that I liked the blue illumination that was on the instruments when the car was off. Very nice and unusual.

Also, I turn on the lights with the ignition off to see what they were like. Have to say that I was impressed with the amount of light that the bi-xenon headlights produced, even on dipped beam.

Shahpor

Oh yeah, one more thing (seem to be remembering a lot more things now :) ).

With my foot on the brake I released the handbrake to see if it got in the way of the gearstick. I am happy to report that it didn't get in the way at all even though it was sticking up a bit.

Also, the gearstick fell right into my hand in my ideal driving position. One strange thing is that it was more comfortable to hold the stick from the side with my arm resting on the transmission tunnel then it was to hold it from the top.

Still, the gearchange itself felt great, quite a short throw and slots into gear nicely.

I am sure I will think of more things to come over the next few days, so I will keep you updated.

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
[B]With my foot on the brake I released the handbrake to see if it got in the way of the gearstick. I am happy to report that it didn't get in the way at all even though it was sticking up a bit.

Still, the gearchange itself felt great, quite a short throw and slots into gear nicely./B]

Yes, I did the same with the handbrake. I also engaged the footbrake because I had terrible visions of the car rolling off the stand. The Mazda guy obviously disliked me as it was so that wouldn't have impressed him any more! The handbrake is a non-issue, the gear lever is fully accessible and delicious. I second Shahpor's description of it. The best word I can think of to describe it is 'precise'. It feels like I imagine a bit of military kit would feel, just beautifully engineered. The aluminium rotor shaped knob is great too. It has a slightly cold feel when you first touch it and it feels solid and SWEET! With th engine off all the gear selections (didn't try reverse) feel identical and the shortness of the travel to select them is exemplary. I heard it described elsewhere that this is because of the low torque from the Renesis: the gearbox can be very subtle without being ripped apart. There's plenty of room by the pedals too, the hump isn't an issue either. The clutch is just right, not jelly light and not concrete fierce, just enough resistance to let you know it's there.

Hi everyone.
Just got back from the show.

All I can say is...you should have gone today. There was hardly anyone there. It was so quiet they gave out extra drive tickets when you booked in !!!

I bagged:

Lotus Elise
Mazda 6
Honda S2000 (both as a self-drive and a pro-drive)
Jaguar XK8
Caterham 7 (pro-drive)
Volvo XC 90
Honda Civic
Vauxhall Vectra SRi (for a joke - and it was absolutely crap in every possible way)

AND

The RX-8 on display was open and they were happy for people to sit in it They even opened up the bonnet for a quick gander.

I'm happy with my choice
:D

but if it fails to deliver sufficient 'fun' then I'm off to the S2000 shop double-quick. That Honda is just fantastic. The Elise was way too scary to use on a public road.

Damn, I thought that today would be the busiest day.

I know what you mean about the S2000. If the RX-8 doesn't live up to expectations, then I can see myself in a S2000 easily.

It was great looking, comfortable, probably has the best gear change I have ever felt and great fun to drive.

Still was very impressed with the RX-8, so will hang on to see how it works out.

Still good to have a back up plan though! :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by jimbobjoe
The RX-8 on display was open and they were happy for people to sit in it They even opened up the bonnet for a quick gander.

Can you BELIEVE that! Talk about inconcistency. Yet again Mazda UK don't know their arse from their elbow. I really want this car but they are making it an interminable experience getting there.

Originally posted by Lensman


Can you BELIEVE that! Talk about inconcistency. Yet again Mazda UK don't know their arse from their elbow. I really want this car but they are making it an interminable experience getting there.

Maybe Mazda do read this forum.

Maybe after they read the negative comments we made here on sat and yesterday, they decided to try and improve their service.

I'm sure stranger things have happened, just not sure when! :D

Shahpor

I went on Sunday, I also had to be persistent with the rep before he eventually let me sit in the car.

I first booked drives in the FBS, the Elise 135, the Caterham (Prodrive), Alfa GTA. Then realising the chance of getting other cars I wanted was non existent. Iwent to look for the 8.

When I found it inside my first thought was WOW! But then I thought why do they have it in here, I'm sure some people probably missed it altogether. Why didn't they have it on a stand outside where everyone could see it.

I was told by the Mazda person on duty (he worked in the accessories dept) that the car on show was a Japanese standard power model, the dark tinting is standard in Japan but might not come over here (I thought it was too dark). As the car is low power I would expect it has the standard not sport suspension, (according to figures in 'The Book') I expect a drop of about 1 half inch in the sport.

While I was by the stand there was a steady stream of people coming to look at the car, although there was never the numbers that could be described as a crowd. After talking to a few of them, not sure if the rep appreciated this, I came to the conclusion that most already knew about the 8 and had come searching for it. I told a few of these about the forum while I was at it as well.;)

As to the drives;
The Caterham pro-drive was fantastic white knuckle.
The Elise was polished and fun, although having a works driver sit with you was both good and bad.
The FBS was a stunning car to drive, you felt part of the road, even more so than in the Elise, and i expect there would be a few that would be prepared to put up with the build quality for the pure driving experience it delivers.
The Alfa GTA was good fun to but it really shows the difference between a car thats been modified to be fast and handle well and one thats been built with this in mind from the start.
I will be very happy if the RX-8 falls into the area between the pure sports car and the modified hatch/saloon camp.
As with others who have already given their opinions here seeing the 8 in person reinforces what we already feel about the car, I just want to drive one now!:D

Any way, work calls tomorrow, it will seem so dull after this weekend, signing off for another night.

Cheers.

Well. i went to Motordrive yesterday (Monday) after being told I might like to Move from Sunday as Monday was quieter. I was in the AM. Got there at 8, and was rather p*ssed off to find Lotus, Caterham, VX220, S2000, FBS all booked up. Apparently some people on sunday did not get to drive anything!!! I will be writing to MotorDrive...

My experience at MX8 was good tho. In the AM very helpful chap happy to open it up when I told him I had ordered. Sat in, looked under bonnet. Woman towards lunch-time very helpfull, let me take pics and loook around in in the car, opening boot etc.

Most impressive part of day was being taken round the handling circuit by racing driver in S60R Volvo at quite ludicrous speed.

I managed over 145 in box an S60 T5 and a Saab Aero 93 aswell. Did someone say something about a 100 limit on the bowl? OOps.

Originally posted by Edo

I managed over 145 in box an S60 T5 and a Saab Aero 93 aswell. Did someone say something about a 100 limit on the bowl? OOps.

I know what you mean. Managed 140MPH in the S2000 and 130MPH in the VX220.

Also went round more than twice with the S2000.

Didn't seem to be any marshals about, or they just didn't care.

Good fun though :)

Shahpor

Twice? I think I did about 7 laps at 145 in the volvo - never did less than about 4!!

Originally posted by Edo
Twice? I think I did about 7 laps at 145 in the volvo - never did less than about 4!!

I know what you mean. You were only supposed to go round twice, but all I did was see how much of the 20 minutes I had left and went round and round until the time was up.

Shahpor

What time did you get there to get the elise/S2000/VX220? Theye were all gone by 8:00....

I went on sat. Got there about 7:10am. Gates opened just after 7:30. Didn't get the Elise though. Also the Jag XK8 was booked out.

Mainly wanted the S2000 and the VX220 though, so wasn't too disappointed.

Also, only used 3 of my 6 drives.

Shahpor

I must admit the VX220 Turbo was such great fun to drive.

I hate the look of the things, and I admit the Vauxhall badge puts me off too, but after driving it on Sunday I was just astounded at how much fun it was, and would seriously consider one.


-andy-

Originally posted by sixspeed
I must admit the VX220 Turbo was such great fun to drive.

I hate the look of the things, and I admit the Vauxhall badge puts me off too, but after driving it on Sunday I was just astounded at how much fun it was, and would seriously consider one.


-andy-

same here. It is a little too extreme and demanding for my everyday use.

Still, maybe another drive would convince me! :D

Shahpor

Just complained about the lack of availability of the good stuff to the organisers, and they tell me people camped out over night to get the good stuff!!!

Anyhow, giving me free ticket to next year's as gesture of goodwill.

Originally posted by Edo
Just complained about the lack of availability of the good stuff to the organisers, and they tell me people camped out over night to get the good stuff!!!

Anyhow, giving me free ticket to next year's as gesture of goodwill.

Does that mean that you are going camping next year? :D

Shahpor

helicopter myself in in the middle of the night?!!

Originally posted by shahpor


same here. It is a little too extreme and demanding for my everyday use.

Still, maybe another drive would convince me! :D

Shahpor

Well I must admit, I had to give in and take advantage of their 48-hour test drive they're offering at the moment. Even if I don't purchase the car, will give me something to have some fun with for a weekend. Getting one from Friday to Monday around this time next month. Costs 170quid and you arrange your own insurance!

Should be a good laugh hooning about the lanes for a weekend :D


-andy-

Damn, 48 hour test drive sounds really good.

Don't even mind the £170, but I don't think my insurance company will cover it.

Shame really, could have had a lot of fun.

Shahpor

Worth a try - mine said that it was no problem and that they would just add it as a second car for a couple of days. I'm with Privilege.

It's got to be worth it just to have a bit of fun whilst we wait for our '8s to arrive! :D


-andy-

Originally posted by sixspeed
Worth a try - mine said that it was no problem and that they would just add it as a second car for a couple of days. I'm with Privilege.

It's got to be worth it just to have a bit of fun whilst we wait for our '8s to arrive! :D


-andy-

Did they ask for any additional money for the cover?

I am currently with Greenlight, so I am not sure if they will do it.

What did you do, just call them and tell them you are borrowing another car for the weekend?

Also, are there any restriction from Vauxhall?

Shahpor

I just told them that I had been offered a 48 hour test drive and had to arrange my own insurance, and that was all. They arranged it as a second car (I think you can have up to 3 months cover on a second car in any policy year with Privilege - don't know about others).

They didn't charge me any more, again, not sure if this would be the same for you.


Vauxhall's only main criteria is that you are over 25. But as you drove the VX220 on the weekend, that's obviously not a problem :) Just register on the website. Btw, it does say on there that its for company car drivers only, but they never asked me about what company i worked for etc. Just keep quiet and let them give you the test drive is all i'd say :)


-andy-

I too went on the Saturday. I arrived at 8:00am. I did not post earlier because most points had already been made.
I agree with shaphor and lensman in regard to the RX8. I saw the car early and spoke to the Mazda guy, 2 others came on the stand and we all had the opportunity of sitting in the front and the back. driver's position was very comfortable and the rear was more roomy than I had anticipated. Although roomy in the back, I thought it was almost like looking through a porthole when looking to the side of the car. I also had a good look in the boot and under the bonnet. The cover came off very quickly and easily in order to reveal the oil filler.

I thought the car was quite 'beasty' to look at, waiting to pounce. I loved it and cannot wait for mine. By the way, I told the guy that I thought that Mazda communications to its pre-order customers was piss-poor.
I went back to the stand a few times and I was peturbed to see that no-one was being allowed to look in the car - the doors were locked.
The Mazda guy in the afternoom worked in the Marketing Dept. Along with another, their current job was preparation of a summary accessory catalogue. Could take up to 6 weeks. A full catalogue would take longer, he said. He had also been to Germany to make a presentation to the organisation that groups the car for insurance purposes. He was expecting it to be Group 16.
On accessories - He said that Mazda would be offering an after market cruise control but unfortunately it would not be wired up to the OEM controls that would be on the right side of the steering wheel. Considering the fact that a factory fit would have been cheaper and better, I thought this was a bit sad. However, we can blame Mazda Europe for this.
He also informed me that Mazda were working on a smartnav system for the RX8, initially UK only. Cost would be at least £700 installation!
He could not confirm whether the sill scuff plates would be offered nor could he tell me whether the windscreen washer system was heated.

:) :) :)

Hello thepenn, I was one of the guys that saw the car with you. Wish I had not booked that drive now so I could have stayed a bit longer and seen the engine cover being taken off.

Seems like you managed to get a lot of information from the rep's.

Sixspeed: Will have to try my insurance company and see what they say. If Vauxhall ask me about it, I will tell them that my company has offered me a company car.

Will see what they say.

Shahpor

This all sounds very promising after a period of negativity. Sounds like the 8 looks even better in person.

Can anybody comment on the overall quality of the paint work and interior fixtures compared to a quality European mark (say Audi).

Cheers.

Originally posted by rael
This all sounds very promising after a period of negativity. Sounds like the 8 looks even better in person.

Can anybody comment on the overall quality of the paint work and interior fixtures compared to a quality European mark (say Audi).

Cheers.

It is very promising. The 8 does look better in person, very aggressive.

I thought the paintwork was very good. The blue sparkled under the interior lighting and the overall quality was good.

The interior is harder to judge as it was obvious that this particular car had led a bit of a hard life being a demonstrator. There were marks on the steering wheel and on the back of the front seats. Still, considering what it had been through I would say it was very good. It seemed to be well built and the materials were of good quality.

Not the best I have ever been inside, but very good none the less.

Shahpor

I agree with Salphor, the paint had a good even finish all over the car and all external shut lines and accessories fitted very well.

The interior was very dark especially in the back due to the car being inside and the rear windows having the very dark Japanese tint so I cant really comment on the back. The front looked good, solid and well put together.

The only thing I'ma bit worried about is a possible problem some others have mentioned, the fake aluminium strips these were worn on the demonstrator and because of this they looked a bit cheap.

If this material used elsewhere on the car then if it is in a position where it could get knocked about this could be a problem.

Perhaps a coat of hard varnish would have helped here.

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
I agree with Salphor, the paint had a good even finish all over the car and all external shut lines and accessories fitted very well.



Salphor?!???!? The misspelling of my name seems to be increasing! :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor


Salphor?!???!? The misspelling of my name seems to be increasing! :D

Shahpor

Don't take it personally Slaphor!!;) :p

Originally posted by AndyPearce


Don't take it personally Slaphor!!;) :p

Don't worry I won't AndiPeers :D

Shahpor

Sorry, Shahpor, dodgy morning, dodgy brain!

Did any of you guys think the same about the plastic aluminium?

Originally posted by Titanium Grey
Sorry, Shahpor, dodgy morning, dodgy brain!

Did any of you guys think the same about the plastic aluminium?

Hey, don't worry about it :D

To be honest I didn't notice the trim you are talking about. Then again there seems to be a lot of things I didn't notice!

Again, will have to check it out when I see the car again at the motorexpo.

If there is anything else that people think needs checking out, please let me know so I don't miss anything this time!

Shahpor

I just wanted to add something about the insurance group information I got from the Mazda rep. I spoke to the one who was there on the Saturday afternoon and he seemed quite knowledgeable. They are aiming for groups 14/15 for the low power version and 15/16 for the high power. So far it's looking like they will get a grouping of 16/17 for the high power but they are continuing to lobby the insurance body (forgotten the name).

I mentioned that we are supposed to be getting insurance information this week and he said that he thought any grouping we get now would be provisional. "We are still working with them [the insurance body] and if we don't get what we want we will send it back to them. It could be as late as July if thats what it takes."

I was pleased that Mazda UK are taking this seriously. Right from the start Mazda have stressed that affordability was a key part of the RX-8 concept. Clearly they understand this also extends to running costs.

Originally posted by ChrisW
I just wanted to add something about the insurance group information I got from the Mazda rep. I spoke to the one who was there on the Saturday afternoon and he seemed quite knowledgeable. They are aiming for groups 14/15 for the low power version and 15/16 for the high power. So far it's looking like they will get a grouping of 16/17 for the high power but they are continuing to lobby the insurance body (forgotten the name).

I mentioned that we are supposed to be getting insurance information this week and he said that he thought any grouping we get now would be provisional. "We are still working with them [the insurance body] and if we don't get what we want we will send it back to them. It could be as late as July if thats what it takes."

I was pleased that Mazda UK are taking this seriously. Right from the start Mazda have stressed that affordability was a key part of the RX-8 concept. Clearly they understand this also extends to running costs.

Yeah, that is what the rep told me as well.

He said that they were waiting for Thatcham to approve the alarm system and give it a rating before the insurance can be decided.

Shahpor

Shahpor.

Thanks for the offer.

Could you please measure the boot opening, I've read its fairly awkward in shape.

Could you also measure the ground clearance at the front?

Cheers
Oilman

Originally posted by oilman
Shahpor.

Thanks for the offer.

Could you please measure the boot opening, I've read its fairly awkward in shape.

Could you also measure the ground clearance at the front?

Cheers
Oilman

No problem.

Will remember to take a tape measure with me! :)

Shahpor

What is 'Smartnav' please and as I've ordered the factory fit nav system is it better and if so can it be added to my system?

Also, I was reading the RX-8 book (£26 if you do the 5000yen conversion) and it states that the designers really wanted to use real metal in the interior but had to use the silver plastic so that people don't get burnt when the car has been sitting in the sun all day.

I remember that bit too, did't it say someting like 180 Degrees. Ouch!

I dont mind the plastic aluminium, it adds a nice touch to the transmission tunnel. I just thought if it was that soft and prone to scratches that they could have applied a clear laquer protective coating on top.

Another point I'd like to make, seeing the car has confirmed for me that I have made the right choice on virtually all possible fronts, (driving will have to wait awhile).

Unfortunetly it makes the amount of time I'll have to wait even worse.:(

For my part, I've not seen the car yet but, I'm pleased that we are all more positive now as opposed to the negativity a week ago.

Cheers
Oilman

The problem for me is that I had too much fun driving the S2000 :)

I am now considering getting one of those instead, for the following reasons:

Don't have to wait.
Cheaper (buy nearly new).
Probably cheaper to run.
Don't really need the rear seats.
People (JSG) who have driven both say the S2000 is more fun to drive.
It is probably faster since the 8's power decrease.

However, I really do like what I have seen of the RX-8 so far, so I have promised myself to not make any impulsive decisions and spend some time thinking about it.

Shahpor

There is an article on smartnav in Auto Express this week.

It is a standard navigation system that links to road traffic information services (UK only). Therfore allowing the system to update your route in real time if traffic problems occour during your journey.

Not sure if its a complete bespoke system or something that could be added to some standard outfits. But as it would have to exchange information with the existing nav software I imagine this would not be likely. Probably a stand alone unit.

I believe some manufacturers are already intergrating this system into their cars.

Originally posted by shahpor
The problem for me is that I had too much fun driving the S2000 :)

I am now considering getting one of those instead, for the following reasons:

I liked driving the S2000 but then I thought of sitting in the cramped cabin with the hood up, on the motorway in the middle of Winter in the rain and didn't like the idea. It would be great in the Summer though.

Honda gave the car a minor facelift about a year ago when they sorted out the suspension (improved dodgy on-limit handling and tendency to chew through rear tyres at an astonishing rate) and added a glass rear screen (much better than scratch-prone plastic previously fitted). You really would want one of these later ones.

Originally posted by ChrisW


I liked driving the S2000 but then I thought of sitting in the cramped cabin with the hood up, on the motorway in the middle of Winter in the rain and didn't like the idea. It would be great in the Summer though.

Honda gave the car a minor facelift about a year ago when they sorted out the suspension (improved dodgy on-limit handling and tendency to chew through rear tyres at an astonishing rate) and added a glass rear screen (much better than scratch-prone plastic previously fitted). You really would want one of these later ones.

If I was to get one then it would definately be one of the facelift ones. I also heard that the earlier ones had a problem with crunching gearboxes to death!

The other thing that I would get with it is a hardtop. This would stay on the car during the winter months, and I would use the softtop for the occasional showers that we seem to be getting at the moment.

The idea of driving during the winter in the rain or snow with only a softtop does not appeal to me either.

As you can see, I have been thinking about this! :)

Still undecided though.

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
Still undecided though.

Shahpor

Shahpor you are disappointing me. We finally see the RX-8, all agree it's marvellous and almost immediately you think about jumping ship?! It's a funny old world...

I can totally understand your dilema Shapor.

I drove the S2000 at the show and was totally blown away by it. It's handling and power were absolutely fantastic.

I'm still positive that I'm going to hold out for the RX-8 though.

Well very, very sure at least.

Maybe just quite sure.

Hmm, definitely maybe perhaps..........

Doh!!!

Originally posted by jimbobjoe
I can totally understand your dilema Shapor.

I drove the S2000 at the show and was totally blown away by it. It's handling and power were absolutely fantastic.

I'm still positive that I'm going to hold out for the RX-8 though.

Well very, very sure at least.

Maybe just quite sure.

Hmm, definitely maybe perhaps..........

Doh!!!

Gentlemen we have a contagion! Don your environmental protection suits and let us slay this S2000 virus before it infects us all...

Hey, not me Lensman, I can't live with 2 seats!!

Cheers
Oilman

Not me either, with a baby due in December / January, I think I will need all 4 seats, a roof rack and a trailer.

I am sure that it won't spoil the looks or performance though.

Chris :D :D

Originally posted by c170673
Not me either, with a baby due in December / January, I think I will need all 4 seats, a roof rack and a trailer.

I am sure that it won't spoil the looks or performance though.

Chris :D :D

I believe I saw an RX-8 badged, colour coded trailer option on the Japanese accessories list. It's rotor shaped, has 18" wheels and freestyle doors. ;)

Seriously though, when you see the RX-8 you'll think it's a 2-seater until you look really closely at it. I'll bet I could fool a few people who don't know the truth.

Sorry didn't mean to stray :D

It is just difficult to wait so long when I could have a S2000 next week.

Also, I did have a very good time driving it...........

I think I need help so that I don't go over to the dark side........

Will try and convince myself to forget about the S2000. :)

Shahpor

Go on now go ! Walk out the door.... <etc>

Buy the S2000. You seem very unsure about RX8 and perhaps you will always be thinking 'what if I had the S2000' ?

Do it , have it , realize the error of your ways , come back.

Anything could happen to you between now and September, so if you want it , have it.

Amen.

Well Im definately not tempted by the S2000.

My only debate is get the RX8 or keep what Ive got a while longer.

Ive just got a new 42" Plasma TV and I was looking through all my pctures and video's of the RX-8 on it last night.

It looks great on a big screen and I must admit it gave me the same feeling again as when I was first looking at the car. :)

I'll just have to hang on for a few more months.

Mr Rogers - Considering the large amount of 8' being imported into this country we need positive sale vibes. Depreciation looks bad enough without a glut of unsold car.

Shahpor - wait for the 8, it will be worth it over the S2000.

rael

Originally posted by rael
Mr Rogers - Considering the large amount of 8' being imported into this country we need positive sale vibes. Depreciation looks bad enough without a glut of unsold car.

Shahpor - wait for the 8, it will be worth it over the S2000.

rael

At least someone is being encouraging :D

I have to admit that i didn't suspect others of thinking about the S2000 as well.

This is indeed a worrying trend.

It seems every week someone is cancelling their order.

For now I am still with the RX-8. I have waited a long time for this car and I really do like it.

I am off from work next week, so I had better make sure I don't drive past any Honda garages! :D

For now I am keeping the faith, fear not brothers. :)

Shahpor

Who has cancelled ?
Seems to be all people talk about , but didn't think anyone had...

Just think you shouldn't deprive yourself if the S2000 does it for you....

Originally posted by rael
Mr Rogers - Considering the large amount of 8' being imported into this country we need positive sale vibes. Depreciation looks bad enough without a glut of unsold car.

Apologies for drifting off-topic here, but I don't think we should get too hung up on the numbers of cars Mazda plant to import. These are just forcasts. They are not going to ship 3500 cars to the UK every year regardless of sales and let them pile up in a field somewhere. Especially if demand elsewhere in the world is strong as seems to be the case. In fact we have already seen that Mazda are adjusting volumes and delivery dates due to demand in the US and Japan.

I was reading just yesterday that BMW Compact sales for the latest (rather ugly) model have been well below BMW's targets. But the residuals are still great. Not many people want to buy a secondhand Compact because they're ugly, but thats OK because there are fewer around because new car buyers didn't like them either. So the supply and demand thing all works out OK.

Originally posted by morganrogers
Who has cancelled ?
Seems to be all people talk about , but didn't think anyone had...

Just think you shouldn't deprive yourself if the S2000 does it for you....

I don't mean people from here. If you check the main forum there is a guy who only recently cancelled his order and bought a Audi A4 instead.

Then there was that guy a while back who decided it wasn't the right time.

Also the guy who bought a Lancer EVO instead.

There are several others but I can't remember the specifics at the moment.

All I am saying is that it is becoming a more common occurance.

One other fact that you are missing is that the reason I am undecided is that, yes the S2000 does it for me, but I don't know how the 8 will turn out.

For all I know I may drive the 8 and find it more fun than the S2000.

That is why I am not sure. If I could have driven the 8 then it would be much more clear cut.

Shahpor

Shahpor

FEEL THE FORCE LUKE!!!:D

Cheers
Oilman

Originally posted by oilman
Shahpor

FEEL THE FORCE LUKE!!!:D

Cheers
Oilman

I definately feel something :D

Like I said unless there is a thread next week start "well, I have gone and bought a S2000....." then I don't think I will be jumping ship quite yet.

I think that as long as I avoid all Honda related contact for a while I should be ok. I think it is more of an impulse thing and I think that when I have thought it through I will still want to 8 more.

Still wanting and waiting for my RX-8.

Shahpor

Just cancelled my order and purchased the S2000. What a lovely car, why nobody else is doing so I just don't understand ......except it has 2 seats and no BOSE and no rotary and........

rael:)

OK, how about this.

Let say that the limited practicality of the S2000 wasn't an issue.

Also, you eventually drove a 8 and a S2000.

You found that you liked the way the S2000 drove over the 8.

However you liked the exterior of the 8 better.

You liked the interior of the 8 more.

But you preferred the feel of the steering and gearchange on the S2000.

You also found the S2000 cheaper to run.

What do you do?

Now I know that you all like the 8 a lot, so do I. But I am looking for certain things from this car and the most important is how it drives.

The least important is its practicality.

Now it may end up that the 8 drives much better then the S2000, in which case this is all irrelavent.

All I am saying is that I have tried the S2000 and I like it. Will have to wait and hope the 8 is just as good or better.

Shahpor

To be honest if you don't need the 4 seats ever then I think there are other options in the market including the S2000. For me the 4 full seats option is probably the main asset that keep me hanging on.

rael

Originally posted by rael
To be honest if you don't need the 4 seats ever then I think there are other options in the market including the S2000. For me the 4 full seats option is probably the main asset that keep me hanging on.

rael

That is exactly my point. If you need the four seats then the choice in this case is clear.

I didn't order the 8 for its practicality. I ordered it cause I really liked the look of the exterior and the interior and cause I read that it was great to drive. I don't just mean fast, I mean that I heard it handled really well.

This is why I am thinking of the S2000. When I drove it, all I could think was how great it handled and how much fun I could have with it.

I really hope that the 8 is just as good, if not better, cause for me that would be the best of both worlds.

I don't even have a long communte to worry about, so almost all my driving is social. That is why I was considering a Vauxhall VX220 turbo as well.

I really wish I could try a 8 round about now so I could be sure for myself.

Shahpor

Hey, 100 replies (well, 101 now).

Didn't expect this thread to last this long :D

At least people are talking more now, even if it is just S2000 bashing :D

Shahpor

S2000 is a fantastic car.
I have driven one lots (track included) and it has the finest 4-cyl engine on the planet.
Certainly not bashing....

2 rotors are better than 4 pistons though ! :)

Originally posted by morganrogers
S2000 is a fantastic car.
I have driven one lots (track included) and it has the finest 4-cyl engine on the planet.
Certainly not bashing....

2 rotors are better than 4 pistons though ! :)

Hey Morgan, I am curious, you have obviously driven the S2000 much more than I have.

What did you think of it? I have never driven it on the road, only on the track. What is it like on everyday roads? Is the high revving nature of the engine really a problem?

Generally what are the best and worse parts of the car?

Thanks for the info.

Shahpor

PS I definately agree, two rotors are better than four pistons :)

Shahpor,

We are both in the same situation I think.

I don't really need to have 4 seats in my next car. I've had a 2 seater runaround car for the past 6 years, so I was thinking that it was time to get a bit more practical.

But the sheer fun I had in the S2000 has just blown me away. I have a Honda now (crappy CRX targa top), and I know just how bulletproof the engineering is in them.

But the whole ethos of the Mazda sounds exactly what I want. If it comes even close to the honda S2000 for ride and handling then that is good enough for me.

Only if it falls well short of the S2000 will I have to think some more.

Originally posted by jimbobjoe
Shahpor,

We are both in the same situation I think.

I don't really need to have 4 seats in my next car. I've had a 2 seater runaround car for the past 6 years, so I was thinking that it was time to get a bit more practical.

But the sheer fun I had in the S2000 has just blown me away. I have a Honda now (crappy CRX targa top), and I know just how bulletproof the engineering is in them.

But the whole ethos of the Mazda sounds exactly what I want. If it comes even close to the honda S2000 for ride and handling then that is good enough for me.

Only if it falls well short of the S2000 will I have to think some more.

That is exactly my thinking as well.

Was suprised by how good the S2000 was.

If only I could try a 8 I would know for sure which one to go for.

Its the waiting thats the killer. Knowing that I have to wait another 3 and a half months for the 8 while I could have a S2000 anytime.

Still, waited this long, so I hope I have the stamina to last.

Shahpor

One other interesting thing I discovered today is the Mazda figures for the fuel consumption.

I spoke to the people at the helpdesk today to ask where my confirmation pack was. While I was on the phone the woman told me they had had a e-mail from Mazda head office with some details. Most was stuff we already know, but she told me the fuel figures, which are:

Urban - 17.9 MPG
Extra Urban - 31.7 MPG
Combined - 24.8 MPG

Seeing that almost all of my driving is urban, this could work out quite expensive for me.

Still, it was about what I was expecting.

Shahpor

Originally posted by shahpor
One other interesting thing I discovered today is the Mazda figures for the fuel consumption.

I spoke to the people at the helpdesk today to ask where my confirmation pack was. While I was on the phone the woman told me they had had a e-mail from Mazda head office with some details. Most was stuff we already know, but she told me the fuel figures, which are:

Urban - 17.9 MPG
Extra Urban - 31.7 MPG
Combined - 24.8 MPG

Seeing that almost all of my driving is urban, this could work out quite expensive for me.

Still, it was about what I was expecting.

Shahpor

It's not bad for a 150mph car you know! What did you expect? ;-)
Perhaps you should buy a Smart for your daily driving...

Originally posted by Lensman


It's not bad for a 150mph car you know! What did you expect? ;-)
Perhaps you should buy a Smart for your daily driving...

Funnily enough, a while back I did consider a BMW 320td compact. Could have done with 45MPG :D

To be honest, it is not a big deal. My Alfa currently returns 15MPG, so I should even save some money! :)

It is just that I have never owned a car that does more than 20MPG, and it would have been nice to experience it. :D

Shahpor

Originally posted by Lensman


It's not bad for a 150mph car you know

Actually 148 before the power reduction (from The Book). So probably now 145/146? I know it's a trivial point and of absolutely no consequence in everyday driving but I was rather looking forward to telling people that my car could do 150. Oh well.

146?!?? That is not very good. Even a Civic Type R can do 146MPH. I would expect a little better from the 8.

And yes it is important to me how fast it can go. There are trips you can do that the top speed is possible.

Shahpor

It that last one a real post ?

Originally posted by morganrogers
It that last one a real post ?

Nah, not really :D

I suppose it is hard to convey some things over text.

I am not really bothered how fast it can go. I am more interested in how fast it can accelerate to 60.

At least that has some applications.

Shahpor

Oooh - you fiend ! I almost bit.... :)

Originally posted by ChrisW


Actually 148 before the power reduction (from The Book). So probably now 145/146? I know it's a trivial point and of absolutely no consequence in everyday driving but I was rather looking forward to telling people that my car could do 150. Oh well.

Remember that we can get the power back with a little tweaking and the manufacturers figures are conservative. Personally I'm more bothered about the handling, audio system and sat-nav.

Originally posted by Lensman


Remember that we can get the power back with a little tweaking and the manufacturers figures are conservative. Personally I'm more bothered about the handling, audio system and sat-nav.

Me too really. It's only a small point. However, I'm not sure if I'll be doing any tweaking - wouldn't this invalidate the warranty and mean higher insurance costs?

There is no doubt that the s2000 is a great car. But it has been in production for awhile now and surely in the next year or so, the replacement model will be launched.

It was the one thing that prevented me from buying one.

Originally posted by ChrisW


Me too really. It's only a small point. However, I'm not sure if I'll be doing any tweaking - wouldn't this invalidate the warranty and mean higher insurance costs?

It would only invalidate the warranty on the parts that you modify and any related parts.

For example, if you fitted an induction kit and then the dash lights blow out, they still have to fix it.

If however, you turbo the car and then break a gearbox, they could claim that it broke as a direct result of the modifications and refuse to do any warranty work.

Insurance costs would not go up a lot unless you up the power considerably.

Shahpor

Originally posted by ed hall
There is no doubt that the s2000 is a great car. But it has been in production for awhile now and surely in the next year or so, the replacement model will be launched.

It was the one thing that prevented me from buying one.

It is true that the S2200 will be out soon. However, I don't think residuals would be affected as much as any other car cause they already hold their value very well.

Shahpor