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Mazda RX8
(low power)
Our Thoughts
Back in September we road tested
the RX8 high power, now it is time to see how the low power variant compares.
Is Mazda justified in having two models?
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Background |
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The Mazda RX8 went on sale in October 2003 and was the latest in a long line of Rotary engine cars from Mazda.
For more information about the Rotary engine and in particular the RENESIS engine fitted to this car
see HERE.
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Exterior Styling
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| Coupe looks - short overhangs, swooping lines. |
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The low power version of the car has no visual differences from the high power car. Equally there are no markings
to distinguish the two models. So Mazda has resisted the one-up-manship of the two models and resisted the trend to
deliberately spoil the lower model.
In Silver the car loses some of the drama of the lightning yellow car we tested previously. But the shape itself works
better and the lines are clearer for the eye to see. As we concluded in the high power review this is a good looking car.
The car tested has 18-inch alloys, which are optional on this model?
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Interior Styling
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The interior is also identical to the high power car we tested and so our feelings on this still stand. Spec levels in the car tested are also the same so air con, sat nav, electric drivers seat etc. are all there.
The only real difference between the cars is as a result of the power differences. Unlike the high power car this one revs more traditionally, albeit up to 7,500rpm (in comparison to the high power cars' 9,000rpm). It is also mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox suited more to the torque of the low power engine configuration.
A result of the different gearbox is the removal of one of our complaints about the high power car, the intrusion into the driver's foot well. There still is an intrusion but it is small and only intrudes low down near the floor, so we have no real complaints about this.
Again, the interior feels really good, special and well built - what you'd expect from a Coupe. We noted before this is impressive given the price of the car.
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Ride, Handling & Steering
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| 50:50 balance, great steeing and ride. |
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All the good points about the ride and handling we mentioned in the high power test are carried through to this car. The 50:50 balance means the car is well poised and agile. It really feels connected to the road and you to it. During the test we were able to test the car in comparison to an Audi TT and the car felt a lot sharper and ultimately more rewarding.
The different approach to the power, using torque rather than power works well and it actually makes the exploiting the car's handling easier. You can provoke the car to oversteer at lower revs and at quite low speeds. So drifting is quite exploitable, if you like that sort of thing.
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Engine, Gearbox and Performance
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| 1.3-litre 189bhp / 162lb ft |
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The engine in the RX8 is the unique. Comprised of a dual chamber, water cooled, twin rotor rotary engine. Each chamber
equates to 654cm3 and the theoretical capacity is 1.3-litre. The car comes in two guises, the high power version which
we are tested about a month ago and the low power version tested here.
The low power variant of the engine is tuned to usability and therefore revs to only 7,500rpm (vs. 9,000rpm in the high
power car). At this rpm the car generates 192ps or 189 bhp (vs. 228bhp), torque is higher though, at 162 lb ft (vs.
156lb ft) and is achieved at lower revs.
In practice the engine feels more conventional in that it drives like a piston engine. Unlike the high power car, which
has almost linear power delivery right up to its zany rev limit, the low power car does seem to surge at points through
the revs and personally I preferred this feel to the slightly artificial gains in revs and speed in the high power car.
The 5-speed gearbox is more notchy than the 6-speed in the high power car. And this detracts from the overall feel. The
short stubby lever is tactilely good; the throw is not too long either, it's just the gear engagement that isn't as crisp
as in the other car. So Gear changing is not as good but given the character of the engine you don't need to do it as
much.
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| Acceleration | 0-30 | 0-40 | 0-50 | 0-60 | 0-70 | 0-80 | 0-90 | 0-100 |
| Mazda RX8 low power (1 (03 - )) |
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(7.0) |
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Autoroadtest stats to follow
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Practicality
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We discussed the practicality issues of the 4 door approach and in comparison to its rivals it has a lot to boast about. I'd have liked a more communal back seat (the central arm rest / storage area takes a little getting used to). I suppose there is not really much chance of a fifth passenger but I can't help thinking it would feel more roomy in the back without it.
The economy and emission figures for the low power engine work out at
18.7mpg (urban); 34mpg (ex-urban); 26.2mpg (combined). As we noted in the high power version (which has a combined figure of 24.8mpg) there is a down side to the powerful small-displacement rotary engine. Comparing these figures to my old ALPINA B10 3.3, which was a lot bigger; heavier; had a 3.3-litre straight six engine; and produced 280bhp; but still managed a similar 26mpg.
Emissions wise things are slightly better than the high power version 267g/km (vs. 284g/km) it again is on the high side.
Insurance wise the car is rated as 15E. (Compared to 16E for the high power).
We now run an RX8 high power on our long term fleet so these figures are best monitored HERE.
The cars owner Robin has also noted down some of HIS THOUGHTS down too, plus an interesting observation
following an ECU upgrade that was done to his car.
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Conclusion
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At £20,000 (£2,100 less than the high power version) the RX8 represents very good value for money. As we mentioned in the high power road test there are plenty of mass produced cars at similar prices
and the RX8 is certainly an individual and far more street cred alternative.
The nearest car to the RX8 is the Nissan 350Z which costs slightly more at £24,000. It also approaches the coupe
from the conventional angle - normal engine and 2 doors. As a result performance has the edge of the RX8. But
practicality is less and insurance is more (group 20). Another Japanese coupe, Toyota's Celica is priced at £21,145
for the T-Sport version, but it has less power and less practicality. Other rivals cost significantly more: Audi TT
comes in at £27,575 for the 225bhp 1.8T or £28,345 for the 3.2; Alfa Romeo's new GT at £26,695.
The RX8 offers lots of charm, good looks and a couple of truly unique points. The car is well balanced and is agile
on the road. The power delivery is more conventional than the high power and I actually prefer it. So whether you choose
the high power or the low power is really down to taste. However, I suspect given the closeness of price and the additional spec
afforded to the high power version most people will buy the high power version. But if you do plump for the low power you
won't be disappointed.
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Neil
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