http://www.carkeys.co.uk/road_test/mazda/15512.asp

 

I like the last sentence of the review:

I can absolutely see why so many people want to buy one, and are happy to have done so, even though the decision to make the purchase is based far more on emotion than on common sense.


And nice reply/comment to the review Ash (I assume thats you). Who bitches about not being able to open the rear door alone on a small sports coupe? Most don't even have a rear opening door. And the gas millage rants on a performance car just get old.

 

A decent write up although I have found the car to be practical. It is a little hard to believe a two seat MX5 to be a more pratical daily driver than the RX8. I also welcome 250 miles to a tank.

 

"The first time I ever drove an RX-8 I reckoned it would be fantastic for a weekend but not something I would want to live with for long (unlike Mazda's MX-5, which I would keep for ever). "

cant say i agree 100% with that......had an 8 own a 5 but the 8 is more year round i think.....the 5 is built the same but different.....more weight savings in mind and with that comes more road noise, harshness and a bit less comfort

 

I agree with his sentiment that the 8 is a blast to wind up, but on what planet does Mazda think we'll get 24.6 mpg? I get 180 out of a tank, maybe 200 or 220 if its all highway. No complaints- this car is too fun.

 

I was getting 24 mpg on the highway, and I was doing it wrong, with a lot of downshifts to pass in some tight situations *stupid Kansas City Interstate...* while cruising at 80ish mpg *sometimes more*. I figure I could get some great figures if I woulda been going 70.

On the topic of the story, it seems he went in not liking the car, so already knew what he was going to rate the car as.

 

^ and ^^ Imperial gallons are ~20% larger than US gallons...so they are really talking ~20 mpg.

I'd love to get this figure...the European combined cycle must have a lot of roundabouts.

 

How much stock can you put in a review that has the line "... which soon led to a twinge of pain in my exquisitely formed left buttock."

 

^ lol, and speaking of that line (here's the whole thing)...

I don't know about the newer or Euro-spec 8's, but my foot rest (silver dummy pedal) is like 11-12" long and has plenty of space for my size 12.

 

Jeremy Clarkson wannabe?

RHD RX-8 drivers get boned on left foot-space, BTW...

 

That makes sense. I guess that little triangle of foot rest is all the RHD's get so I can see where the buttock pain might come from.

 

where does it say that the Mx5 is more practical? Not that I think it isnt, after all, practical doesnt exclude fuel economy.

 

Uhh, I'm trying to figure this out...what is on the drivers side carpet? Looks like a vent!

 

Heal pad...

 

That makes sense...never had an issue with regular mats, though :p

 

its the new built in grilled cheese sandwich maker. comes with every european style RHD 8. it adds 80hp which is offset by 80mg of cholestrol. car is faster but you are fatter. weight kind of hinders the power increase.