The Mazda RX-8 is unique. That can’t often be said about a new car. It is the only production model with a rotary engine and, arguably, the only sports car with four seats and four doors.

Mazda was the only company to persevere with the rotary power plant — once considered the engine of the future — after others condemned it as thirsty, dirty and unreliable. Eventually even Mazda wavered, dithering about whether to continue with it after the last RX-7 sports car.

Then Ford put Martin Leach, now president of Ford of Europe, in charge of product development at Mazda and he encouraged its engine specialists to make the technology more efficient and compliant with stringent future exhaust emissions regulations. The result is Renesis — rotary engine, new beginning.

Mazda also began to rethink the kind of car it should power. These smooth but high-revving engines are really only suitable for sports cars. But experience with the RX-7 and the wildly successful MX-5 roadster had shown that sports car buyers (or their families) quickly grow out of two-seaters. Was there a way of fitting four adults into something the size of an RX-7 without spoiling it as a sleek and stylish sports car? Mazda has indeed solved this packaging problem. The compact new engine is mounted close to the centre of the car in a “front-midship” position. It drives the rear wheels and the mechanical bits are arranged for a perfect 50:50 front-rear weight distribution. The short, low bonnet sweeps up to a deceptively high tail (to provide headroom for passengers in the rear).

The stroke of genius, though, was to provide extra doors hinged at the rear, with no centre pillar, offering space aplenty for getting in and out, fixing child seats, installing the kids or stowing the paraphernalia of everyday travel.

Once known as “suicide doors”, for obvious reasons, the RX-8’s have no external handles, partly to preserve the coupé look but also because they cannot be opened unless the front doors are open, for safety’s sake.

The RX-8 has compact dimensions, good aerodynamics and low weight, but you can decide if it has the style and allure of a sports car. It certainly goes and behaves like one, with excellent responses, precise handling and a reasonably supple ride.

Two power levels will be available: 192 and 240bhp. I drove the more potent version, which comes with a six-speed gearbox. The rotary engine whizzes up to 8500rpm without changing note and you need to use the gearbox to get the best from it as there is not much torque low down. The performance — 0 to 60mph in around 6sec, 150mph top speed — is average for a sports car of this class. Mazda claims that this RX-8 is up to 20% more economical than the last RX-7 and will average 25mpg.

The cabin is smart, purposeful and thankfully free of phoney wood or carbon fibre. In the back . . . well, the seats are comfortable and there is space for two adults, but the high sides and small windows might make it a touch claustrophobic for some.

The RX-8 will be here in late summer. Mazda expects the 240bhp model to be priced under £25,000 and the 192bhp five-speeder at just over £20,000. Its coupé rivals — cars like the Audi TT, Nissan 350Z, Alfa Romeo GTV — either have no rear seats or “+2” perches and only two doors. And none has a rotary engine.

Vital statistics

Model Mazda RX-8
Engine type Rotary, twin-rotor, 1,308cc
Power 240bhp @ 8200rpm
Torque 156lb ft @ 5750rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Suspension (front) Double wishbones, coil springs; (rear) Multi-link, coil springs
Tyres 225/45 18
Fuel 25mpg (combined)
Top speed 150mph
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 6.2sec
Price £24,500 (estimate)
Verdict Here's something completely different. Sports car or saloon? You decide