Wantarotory

Hi Guys,


On Saturday we had a beautiful day here in Melbourne - So I decided to test drive the new RX8.
I am good friends with one of the guys at the Mazda dealership and decided to have a go in one of their new little pets and thought I might share my experience with all of you. (this is the first time I have done this so bear with me please!)

firstly - a few distinctions I found between the old and the new versions. In my opinion, astatically I find the new version a bit too contrived up close. While the 04-07 models have rounded edges and smooth lines that just grab you when looking at them – on the new one Mazda seems to have attempted to look at all the things people liked and twisted it themselves. Up close I didn't like the new backlights and the 'obvious' exhausts. Maybe it's because I fell in love with the 04-07 model, but I just didn't like the look as much. (no offence 08 model owners, this is just my opinnion)

Driving - I was in the standard version with nice leather seats. The new interior is just beautiful and stunning, I think its just so much cleaner than the old (IMO), and as my girlfriend says "you have to keep reminding yourself your sitting in a Mazda" and not a Porsche or an Audi, its just that beautiful and well finished. The first difference I found was the improvement in the ignition (the last '05 model I drove spluttered to life, this one growled like a Rottweiler in heat). Secondly the 6 speed Manuel gearbox is just as good, if not a little tweaked for greater feel,

owners of RX8 - you are proud owners of one of the best gearbox's in my opinion and this has not changed in the '08 model. The drive was great (as you would expect) cornering and revving is still brilliant in this car, second to none. However I did notice that the braking system was a little stiffer on this one (can anyone back me up on this?). I cant remember reading if this was an issue on the older versions, but the fact I noticed this means it may be a new issue with the 08 model...not sure.

The final thing that all owners will want to know about is this car still commands total respect on the road, I had people slowing down to have a look, people staring as I red lined it( Responsibly ) - as well as just cruising down city streets…The car is in a league of its own when compared to everything on the road, and its like other drivers know it and just stop and stare!!

In conclusion, I love this new version, its still the RX8 that everyone here loves, just tweaked and improved on…

However I still am going to get me a 04-07 model over this new one, just because it’s the car of my dreams. The one i drove is the car of my dreams in a new dress and better legs and NOT the car of my dreams!

(…also ill be getting the old model in 2 months as apposed to 12 months I will have to wait to get the cash for the new one!)

shazy

Wow the new version looks pretty damn ugly in silver
EWWW

Cromax

My verdict was that the improvements they made has managed to make the car ugly all round ... especially the GT version.

rotarenvy

thanks for the review glad you liked it.
the new shape has grown on me apart from those rear lights yuck

Cromax

I see where they were heading with the concept though. But all in all, the car feels like they wanted to do more in this redesign but didn't have the budget for it. SO, instead of just releasing the old RX8 with a bit more power, or a bit more dressing, they've released the old RX8 with a heap of cosmetic improvements that looks kinda like the redesign that they really wanted ... and they don't fit properly.

Detrich

I used to not like the new look either... But, it's seriously grown on me. And, many of the changes look like functional improvements to me...

For example, it looks like you don't have to waste time drying the (a) front grill, (b) front fender vents, and (c) rear bumper grill anymore after a wash. I bet that saves at least 10 or 15 minutes right there- since we all know how water loves to hide in those spots for the 2004-2007 models. The leather also looks a lot softer/ nicer. And, the LED tail lights look great too- once you get over that they came right off a VW Passat... The R3 looks great. Too bad they didn't have a model that combines that body kit/ wheels with GT amenities.

For things that I don't like... I don't care for the fugly steering wheel and the fact that they did away with the 2-tone steering wheel & seats. I don't like that the navi is now so low on the console. (The pop-up was very cool.) I also don't like that they switched the dashboard consoles around for no apparent reason.

Wantarotory

Totally feel you on the interior steering wheel. And I also agree about the leather. it feels alot nicer, But I have to admit that the lights did not grow on me...If i saw the '08 model on the road (from behind...admittedly the front is quite nice) before seeing the 04-07 model, i would have thought that this was the older model. The 04-07 models have smoother lines and the taillights seem to fit into the design of the car, these lights look like they have been stuck on afterwards.

Revolver

I wouldn't mind the GT in white without the bodykit...I find the rear lights ok but I'm still struggling with the black plastic moustache