MarkW

11:28AM on the 29th October 2002. That is when I first laid eyes on the Mazda RX-8. It was the NEC Motorshow in Birmingham, where rather than wasting time looking at mundane Mondeos and dull Daewoo's, I produced a list of 'must see' interesting cars for my visit, ranging from the Ferrari Enzo through to the Daihatsu Copen.

Right at the top of my list was the Mazda RX-8. I had been following the car in the press and it had really excited me. Rotary engine, 250bhp, RWD, Suicide Doors, looks to die for.

The car looked abolutely stunning in yellow mica with a black/yellow leather interior. For me, it stole the show and I knew I just had to have it.

Three hundred and eight long days later, I am finally about to drive a Titanium Grey 231bhp RX-8. As I approach the garage, I feel more nervous than excited. This car and the RX-8 forum have become a rather unhealthy obsession over the past few months. 800 posts and countless hours exchanging opinions about a car I’ve never driven, with a bunch of guys I’ve never met. No wonder the wife thinks I'm mad, or sad. Or both.

Before I go any further, I should state the two cars I drive at the moment are my 2002 Impreza WRX STi (265bhp, 1470kg), and my wife’s 2002 Mercedes C230 Coupe (197 bhp, 1500kg). The RX-8 seems to fit nicely in the middle of these two (231bhp, 1350kg), so that is where my expectation of it's performance lies.

We arrived a little early and stood outside the showroom waiting for the car to appear. Clear blue sky and bright sunlight make it a perfect day for a test drive. Let’s hope the car lives up to my expectations.

The car appears and drives past us, it looks great, sleek and low, the 18” alloys look cool as they rotate at slow speeds. It pulls up next to a family who are waiting, they are obviously before us so we stand and wait our turn. At least we get to see the car in motion again as they pull off and return 10 minutes later. To me this car is a real head turner, I would have to spend a LOT more to buy something else that looks as good.

Finally it’s our turn, Paul hands me the keys and gets in the back, Mrs W and I in the front. The interior finish seemed very impressive, the black leather still had that ‘smell’ and felt very good, if a bit dark for my tastes. The plastic handle where you shut the door had a quality feel and the piano black finish is a bit different.

The seats were comfortable and the electric adjustment for the drivers seat moved in all directions, even the lumbar adjustment was electric, and I was able to get comfortable quickly. The only pain would be if two of you regularly drive the car, as there are no memory settings. Even though they are sports seats, they seem designed for a larger rear, and are nowhere near as body hugging as the bucket seats in the Impreza. I think you may slide around a bit on fast corners, especially with the leather. Still, I like them, and personally I think the leather is well worth it.

Commenting on some of the issues that have previously been reported, the size and position of the handbrake, is a complete non-issue. I actually quite like it, and it felt natural to use. The ‘bulge’ in the drivers foot area did not get in the way for me at all, there is plenty of room for your foot to rest when not on the clutch. The only time you notice it may be when you get in or out.

Finally, I turn the key and start the engine, the car turns over quickly and drops to a quiet idle. The dials come to life and light up white – wow!- everything that has been said is true, these are one cool set of instruments you will not get tired of looking at. I tried putting the lights on, to see the red/blue glow, but as it was so bright it wasn’t easy to see.

I had to reverse out of a space, so I put her into reverse (push down), and engaged the clutch. The clutch was light but seemed to bite nicely and no danger of stalling. Into first and of we go. Like many of you, this is my first rotary experience, and even from the off the sound is different. Mrs W commented she could understand why people liken it to a sowing machine!, but I like it 

We pulled off and were in a small queue of traffic behind a lorry. Driving in traffic using normal gears and low (under 4k) revs the car felt fine and perfectly tractable, no issues here. Once we go onto a dual carriageway sliproad, I put my foot down  . The car picked up speed nicely and in a linear fashion like has been said before, so there was no turbo push in the back like I am used to.

Having said that, I thought I was doing around 50 and looked at the digital speedo, which said 76. I’ve read it a thousand times but the engine really is so smooth and the ride so well damped that you do not realize the speed you are doing.

I managed to open her up a few times to the beeper, which I agree is quite quiet, and although I wouldn’t describe the performance as exhilarating it was certainly enjoyable and that engine noise followed by the warning beep could easily become an addictive :D :D

It must also be said that I was driving this car 3 up, which is going to dent the performance somewhat. Take two people out of the car and I think I would be quite happy. Because of this, and the route we were on, I didn’t really get to test the handling of the car. However, the steering felt solid and not too light and artificial, and I was impressed overall with the feeling and short throw of the gearbox. Even though it felt a little notchy, and I fluffed a couple of changes, it felt better than the 6 speed box in the Impreza and I think I would get used to it quickly.

Whilst we were driving we turned the stereo on. The system in my Subaru is woeful, so anything would be better, but the radio sounded crisp and clear to me. We didn’t try a CD but I’m sure the system will be more than adequate for my needs. One thing that concerned me prior to the drive was the tackiness of the red stereo/climate display. Having seen it, the display was clear to easy to read and looks fine.

Mrs W popped the SatNav up, and the map was showing our current location. It seemed very impressive, and the wife loved it. I half wish I had ordered it now, but £1500 is expensive and it would only be a gadget for me.

A couple of other observations from looking at the car upon our return:

The drivers electric window is one touch up and down, and is very quick.

Turned the lights on and had a look from the outside. The rear light clusters are fantastic and look much better than in the pics.

The ride height looked fine on this car, no Audi allroad type arches at all.

This car had a sunroof, I’m only 5’11’ and my hair was brushing the roof when I sat straight, so I’m glad I haven’t ordered it.

The key and remote are a bit naff. The remote is a bit large and has 4 buttons – lock, unlock, alarm off (I think) and boot open. This day an age most manufacturers have this integrated into the key.

To summarise, this was only a short test drive on unfamiliar roads, but did the car live up to my expectations:

Appearance – Stunning 5/5

Interior – A massive improvement on my Subaru and seemed good enough to keep Audi/BMW/Merc drivers happy, as the wife liked it. – 5/5

Driving – General driving and ride was really enjoyable. Visibility was better than I was expecting, engine was very tractable. – 5/5

Performance – Enjoyable and deceptively quick. To be honest my Impreza would blitz it in a straight line, but it seems like a one-trick wonder after the RX-8. I do worry a little that I will miss the push in the back feel of the Subaru, but there is a lot to make up for it – 4/5

Handling – Didn’t really get to test it out but car felt well balanced and planted. Wouldn’t be fair to score it though.

Stereo – Even after a quick listen I’d give it 5/5 compared with what I have now.

The only problem now is Mrs W loves it and wants one as well – Black with Nav! If she can fit her work equipment in the back, she may well get one next year. Could we be the first two RX-8 family?? :D

All in all I am very pleased, I wish the car had a bit more go, but I feel there will be ways to get a few more bhp over the next 12 months.

All you rotorheads out there know what to expect already, but for everyone else I don’t really think there is much to be disappointed about.

We have had our letters today, stating November delivery. However good this car is, I don’t think I am prepared to take any more delays or excuses. It’s November latest for me, or I’ll cancel and leave it until next year. I really am not keen on having new cars in the winter months.

Oh and sorry for all those who I offend, but we both really aren’t keen on the Tit grey. I know it’s personal choice and some of you love it but that’s just my opinion.

So come on Mazda, get your finger out and get my car here for late October please!!

renegade_si

Hooray! Oh ye of little faith lensman. I can completely understand though - I was sitting with baited breath too. However, as I've actually driven it, I was less worried
Thats the thing about the car, you just dont realise how fast you are going, which means it MUST be bloody quick. It just doesnt exhilerate as you don't "feel it". Its more of a surprise/shock than an exhileration.

I'm really glad you enjoyed it Mark, truly I am. Thats everyone from our lot so fat thats driven one thats happy and are still (are you listening Mazda?) willing to wait. Its because of the car, not you information and "keeping us in the loop", as frankly you have been woeful.

Roll on November (!)

Lensman

As I said: fine line between apprehension and negativity. I hoped Mark would like it but I was concerned about the signs... Nuff said.

Thank you for your quality (in a prose sense) review Mark. It very much helps to have your viewpoint because you are approaching the RX-8 from a different direction (power wise) to most of us. I'm reassured that you can offset the drop in power by the overall quality of the machine, that's encouraging.

I'm not concerned that you don't like the Titanium Grey paint because I've seen it and I do (in fact I'm pleased that you definitively prefer the red as that's what you've ordered) but I'm curious: have you seen a grey S2000 and if so do you like THAT colour? I'm trying to work out if it's just Mazda's colour that puts you off or the whole concept of grey cars (also I really like the grey S2000 so it will compare our tastes).

Thank again for all that typing.

AnilS

MarkW, told you so!

So your going to be the first RX8 2 car family eh. My wife is already considering one too .... just joking.:D

Glad you enjoyed the ride. The only thing is now that I've driven it, I want it now.

Paul (Brooklyn) knows that my car should have been delivered this very weekend (back in Jan when I ordered, this was agreed) so it hurts a little not to get it for Sept start.

BTW, does a 310 bhp RX8, with a Mazda warranty, interest you ?

Watch this space and I'll tell you more when I get more info. And yes, I am serious.


AnilS.

renegade_si

AnilS YES IT DOES!!!!

more info more info. Change to existing car, or a different car? Ie is it just a lot of tweaks that can be done aftermarket to yuors or do we have to cancel our order and buy this one instead?

mr_digital_uk

My wife is sick of the RX-8; not because of the car but because of the way I go on about it. Anyway ... she's determined to buy herself a yellow VX220 turbo just because she always likes to buy a faster car than me (even if she doesn't drive it faster).

I think they're going to clash like hell in the driveway, so I guess it's about time to clear out the garage for her to keep her car in I want mine on show!!

18ME

Good informative review Mark. I have my viewing tomorrow (Sunday), although not guaranteed a test drive.

I am going to blow the cobwebs off the R32 as it hasn't been out for nearly 2 weeks, so at least I can have a direct back to back comparison between the two cars.

My preconceptions are that the RX8 will feel more sporty than the R32 but may not go as fast or feel as fast as it looks....hope I'm wrong.
We have all got our own priorities with what we want out of this car, my main concern is what it sounds like. Everyone says it sounds like a sewing machine or food blender etc, but I can't see that a sound like that can be addictive......if I'm using the blender at home which isn't very often, I want to turn it off ASAP.:D

Mark..did you go there in the Subaru, if so what did that feel like after driving the RX8? I mean did you say to your self "bloody hell this is quick" or "my interior really isn't very nice". The reason I ask is to see whether the performance was more important to you than the quality of the car.

AnilS..did you take the 330ci out for a test drive or was it just to see it in the showroom to compare size? if you did take it out, I would like to know what you thought about the BMW's performance in comparison to the RX8's, as I had a 330ci sport a few months back.

Did you go on a set route or could you just go anywhere within your alloted time slot? I live about 15-20mins away and it would be nice to see how it performs on the road I regularly use to and from work.

One last thing, whats this 310bhp then?

Is it a bolt on turbo?

mr_digital_uk

Just for the record ... If I'd ever heard a sewing machine sound like that I'd be pretty worried about the clothes!!!

The sound of the Mazda is more of a TURBINE ... High revs, high pitch zoom zoom sort of thing.


AND YES .. WHAT'S WITH THE 310BHP THING? DO TELL PLEASE!

18ME

Zoom zoom.....mention that too much and the Mazda advertising people will definately make the most of it for the RX8:D :D

rich606

Mark

Thanks for review. Have just returned from hols & will be on phone to my dealer tomorrow to see when I can get a go!!

AnilS Don't keep us in suspenders tell your secret!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Ace

Not sure what Anils means by that 310HP comment, but I can assure all of you (and MarkW ) that the exhaust alone (catback) could be a reason for gaining about 20HP :D

If you dont have to pass cold emissions, then the pre-cat can also be ditched right away (a normal process for RX7s), which will provide you with another 15-20HP right away. Remember that rotaries have to be restricted in order to pass the stricktest emissions....

However, since the RX8 is N/A, I dont really know how one could find the additional 40HP (310-270HP) to reach Anils' 310HP figure, without opening up the engine. Maybe its a bolt-on supercharger ?

18ME

Would this mod to the exhaust be an easy and relatively inexpensive mod?
I do like the idea of around 300bhp as long as it doesn't push the price to around the £30k mark but if it were say £2k and it was covered by Mazda warranty and be reliable then I'd definately consider it.

Stuartt

Thanks for the great review markw.

MarkW

Well, its been a good day all round. Just got back from seeing the Villa win for a change!

Lensman - Its not that I dont like the Tit grey, it just seems a bit dull and I just think it is a car that should stand out and be noticed. In contrast I do like the Silverstone on the S2000, especially with the red leather! I think you will be more than happy with it though, as I think Im in the minority here

AnilS - You cant just say things like that without giving us some more details. Al least if this is a mod to our car, or a different car. Spill the beans mate!

18ME - Good question. I got in the Subaru, floored it on the dual carriageway and said to the Mrs "Wont be able to do that in the RX8". Acceleration is almost violent in the subaru and the seats are better, but the interior is naff, and once we got back on the motorway the jiggly ride on the concrete is awful and makes your whole body wobble (if you have fat bits). My only real concern is how much I will miss the performance, and knowing that I can pull out/overtake/beat 95% of cars on the road if I need/want to.

The sound is OK not really like a sewing machine. It is just not a deep growl, more of a medium pitched whine. I think an aftermarket exhaust would spice things up a bit as overall it is quiet.

I was taken on a set route, a bit of traffic, a few dual carriageway stetches and several islands. I really need an hour on my own with the DSC off though, for a real test drive :D :D

The Ace

Well, an aftermarket catback is legal, and -as far as I know- does not void the warranty of ANY car. So this should be perfectly OK for the RX8.

The pre-cat however is a totally different story. Removing the pre-cat is illegal, even if you can pass emissions just fine. No one actually does cold emissions tests, but this should be on the car, so removing it not only voids your warranty, but could also lead to legal problems (if anyone ever found out )

In reality however, a catback could be just a 1-day job for any decent exhaust shop (I dont know if any exhaust brands have already "models" for the RX8, so you could go custom), and so would the pre-cat. As long as no one finds out, you should be OK (but again, removal of the pre-cat voids your warranty)

Topic

Thanks for the exellent reviews AnilS and MarkW.

I've had my test drive today and agree with all your points.

To me the car just seems to have that feel good factor, it makes you just want to smile.

From the very first picture I saw of the RX-8 in a magazine, from the first time I saw the pre-production blue model in the flesh at Gaydon, to seeing and driving the Tit grey today it just has that special X factor.

It looks stunning, it's stylish, it has a quality finish, good sound system, it's quick, even the 192ps is quicker than my current Lexus IS200, so is fast enough for me. (i'd rather spend the extra money on leather seats and accesories) Not forgetting the rotary engine, those doors and theres even room for the 2 kids in the back, what else do you need. Oh yes Mrs Topic had a test drive after me and loved it too.

Can't wait to see the Velocity Red in the flesh.

Only problem is December seems such a long way off.

Topic

oilman

Thanks for the "great" review Mark, glad you liked it.

Look forward to my test drive last week of September.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting the RX8 to be as brutal as your Scooby or an Evo, look at the 0-60's, they don't compare.

I must confess, although they're nice cars, I've never been tempted to buy one, just not my cup of tea on the looks and finish front. Sorry!

As long as it's quick and around 6.0secs is quick enough for me I just want it to look and drive better than the beemers, audi's and VW's. I PRESUME IT ACHIEVES THIS MARK?

It's a four door four seater sports car that looks great, that's why I want it.

Anyway, glad you chose red then? :D Thanks for this as I was in the TIT camp at the beginning until I saw the light

Thanks again Mark.

Cheers
Oilman

Contigo

You see I had a UK turbo MY96 and If I remember correctly you have the bugeye version. I was always under the impression that the bugeye was slower than the big turbo versions. The Rx-8 is quoted at 6.2 and so is the bugeye impreza.

Is there really massive differences in performance? I mean granted you won't get the kick in the back of the turbo, but you will get a really quick linear accelration, plus it redlines much higher than a Scooby.

I drove my mates s2000 for a full weekend and can say that it was as quick if not quicker than my Impreza. I did however mod mine to the ,ax and had 300bhp :D

Anyway less of the dull geek talk, glad that you liked it and am looking forward to jumping onto a Red one in a week or so.

mhopley

Contigo,
I just noticed your sig, and the black steering wheel. AFAIK we are getting the red/black wheel with the red leather.
I am not so keen on the 2 tone wheel and would prefer black if I had the choice. Have you specifically asked for a black wheel?

Mark

MarkW

Contigo,

You may be right about the standard 215ps bugeye WRX, but mine is the 265ps WRX STi with 0-60 of 5.2, and yes there really does feel a big difference.

I am honestly surprised, as there is only (allegedly ) 34ps difference between the two cars (265-231), and the Subaru is heavier, but it feels much more than that. Some of it will be down to the on/off power delivery of the turbo, compared with the linear rotary. Mrs W in the passenger seat commented it didnt 'feel' that quick then I was flat out up to the buzzer.

However, the RX-8 is special, and the everything about the car just feels good.

I will be happy with the car as it is for 6 months or so, we will learn how to get the best out of it on the prodrive day, and will hopefully look to some mods to get another 20-40bhp out of it a bit further down the line. (or 80bhp if AnilS's claim proves true :D )

Thinking back to my S2000 test drive, I would say the S2000 is the quicker of the two cars, as it really flies over 7k rpm, but not by a huge margin. I still want the RX8, as if I get a 2 seater convertable, I would rather it be a second car.

Cheers
Mark

AnilS

Hello chaps. Sorry I left you all in suspense but after posting, I had to rush off to Windsor, and only returned late last night. Anyway to answer some questions;

18ME - I drove the 330ci for a back to back comparison. The 330ci only had one advantage over the 8 (in my opinion), in gear acceleration. I stated this previously so I not going to say it again - torque. Its not a big difference. In all other areas, the 8 slaps the 3 series.

Right this 310 BHP business.


My dealer (Brooklyn - I'll try not to sing your praises too highly) lately has been pulling out lots of stops and really earning their money by arranging tests drives for non Brooklyn customers. They are even looking at staging an RX8 event at some stage (maybe a meet). I had a chat with my dealer principal about the delivery letter that we all received, and just venting off some frustration, when he mentioned that they are developing a "Brooklyn Performance Package" which takes the car to 310 BHP. Sketchy details presently, but a straight through exhaust and removal of the rev limiter was what I can remember. All this to include a Mazda warranty (from them I presume) for £2K. Thats all the info I have, but he was highly convincing. Lets wait and see.


AnilS.

c170673

I wonder if the "Brooklyn Performance Package" will be offered to cars purchased from other dealers?

If this is the case I may very well be beating a path to their door, £2k in hand.

Chris

On another note I test drove the Alfa 147 GTA on Saturday. If it wasn't for the great reviews from MarkW etc I would have bought one there and then.

MarkW

Thanks AnilS,

I'd like to praise Brooklyn as well, Ive already told them they will get my regular servicing and aftersales business.

Some people may not know, but they are also a Ford dealer and specifically are a RS and Cosworth centre, so there is obviously a lot of interest in performance cars there.

If they can get an extra 80bhp for £2k with Mazda warranty, then they can have my cheque tomorrow. Quite frankly, I would be happy for 40bhp for £1k to start off with :D

Mark

AnilS

MarkW, you're right they do have an RS centre there. Had the 8 not come along, they had a nice RS Cosworth Escort for sale there. Refreshingly, they SEEM to know what their talikng about.

AnilS.

The Ace

Erm, Anils, not to discredit you or your dealer, but 80HP from an exhaust and, what, 1000rpm more (if thats even possible) ? Sorry, not going to happen. Even the FD couldnt get 80HP more from an exhaust & intake, and it was a turbo-ed car (which gains waaayyy much more than N/As from such mods).

I'm sure that they have this planned out just right, but it will surely entail more than an exhaust and no rev-limiter (or raising it). And besides, straight exhaust means what ? Removal of pre-cat or main cat ? Thats illegal, and if you do opt for it, you wont be able to pass a sniff test. If you had a 10-year old FD, I would say go for it, but for a brand spanking new RX8, I would consider it more carefully