RX8 Automatic RHD for UK
 

After seeing several adverts and eventually an actual car I felt it was time I check out the Mazda RX8. I had been looking for a car to replace my Tiptronic Boxster.

I rang my local dealer and arranged to view and drive the RX8. After driving their demonstrator, the salesman decided to take me through the options, extras, colours and availability. I was ready to buy after liking the RX8 very much, however when I asked about an Automatic version the dealer told me that the transmission is not and will not be available for the UK market, WHY?

I left the dealership extremely deflated, but not defeated, I spent the next 2 weeks digging around, only to find out that Mazda do produce an automatic transmission with paddle shifts on the steering wheel, this was only produced for the Japanese and American Markets, WHY?

After digging a bit deeper I learned that the Japanese car is Right Hand Drive, I also found that one company in the UK (T W White & Sons Official Mazda Dealer) in Surrey actually import the automatic RX8 directly in from Japan. On speaking to T W White & Sons, they offered me a choice of colours and specifications as well as some specialist extras, which also were not offered to me by the UK dealer.

After haggling with T W White & Sons I have now purchased the car I wanted a Mazda RX8 in Velocity Red, Leather Interior and best of all an Automatic Gearbox. The dealer even gave me a 3 Year Parts and Labour Warranty. To top it all off I had an absolutely stunning Mazda Speed Body Kit fitted, although it was quite expensive it looks stunning?

Having driven lots of European cars I never ever thought I would buy a Japanese car let alone a Mazda, The RX8 looks and drives fantastically, it has enough room in the back to take our friends out, the kids love it. What more can I say.

Perfect!!

G'day mate.

Glad you got yourself an RX-8. Is yours the 6AT 6-port version.....??

It sucks that Mazda UK dont sell the AT version but thats their loss I guess.

Mazda Oz have sold the 4AT version since introduction in 2003. So do Mazda NZ & other countries such as Canada. so your reference to Japan + USA only is wrong unfortunately.

Have to tell you that I love the paddle shift on mine as you would on yours & find it very easy to use when giving the car a punt.

Am fixing the lack of power issue but personally, its no big deal as the 4AT version is fast enough.

Being a JDM Type-E version, what extra goodies do you get over the standard issue UK RX-8........??

REgards