Mazda seems to be a company with an identity crisis. On one hand it produces the competent but mundane Mazda3 and Mazda5 saloons and on the other it has created the definitive inexpensive sports convertible in the MX-5. So it’s probably no surprise that when it designed a sports coupé it gave it four doors not two and an engine that lacked pistons and made do with a couple of spinning triangles.

Launched in the UK in the spring of 2003 the RX-8 was eagerly awaited by fans of rotary engines, who had been kept waiting seven years for a successor to the RX-7. And the long wait was worth it, not least because of the price, because while the RX-7 came at a Porsche-like £35,000, the RX-8 looked a bargain basement offering at a touch under £20,000. Three years on used examples cost just a little more than £12,000.

Buyers have a choice of two power outputs from a single engine option. The “low power” version produces 190bhp while the “high power” derivative has a useful 230bhp.

In terms of figures there is less than a second separating the 0-62mph time but in reality the HP version feels noticeably quicker in taking 6.4sec (rather than 7.2sec) to the mark and topping out at 146mph. A £2,000 premium when new did little to put buyers off the HP version and second-hand prices still command around £1,200 more than the LP car.

Power aside, the two cars are blessed with the same superb driving dynamics, due in no small part to the near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Enthusiasts also claim that a change of tyre from the factory-fit Bridgestones to Goodyears or Michelins and regular tyre pressure checks can extract even more grip. Both models come with a dynamic stability traction control system, which can be turned off if track-day slides are your thing.

Unlike most coupés the RX-8 can accommodate four adults with ease and the rear-hinged back doors give good access thanks to the lack of a B-pillar. The seats are comfy, supportive and just about special enough to make you feel you are in a performance car; the addition of the optional leather upholstery completes the effect.

In terms of equipment you’ll enjoy a CD stacker and half decent Bose stereo system, which you may prefer to keep turned off so you can enjoy the fruity exhaust note that’s so distinctive to a rotary engine. Front and side airbags ensure good protection, the climate control will keep you cool and the xenon headlamps will light your way with ease. Optional satellite navigation is nice to have but with the improvements made to portable systems it’s not a priority.

So does anything blot the RX-8’s rather glowing report card? Well, in terms of fuel economy it could try harder. Driven with gusto you’ll dip into the teens, and even with a light pedal it’s going to offer no more than 25mpg.

When the engine’s cold it can be prone to flooding if you stall the car, and Mazda recommends that for best fuel economy and to reduce wear you should not use the cars for short journeys, where the engine never reaches full operating temperature.

But apart from a couple of Cs the RX-8 has an end-of-year report that its parents from Mazda should be proud of.


Warranty Three years or 60,000 miles from date of first registration

Oil Rotary engines are prone to heavier than average oil consumption so check the levels weekly, regardless of mileage

Safety Front and side airbags together with antilock brakes and a dynamic stability and traction control system

Wheels Alloy 18in wheels are standard but check for signs of corrosion and blistering, which should be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty

Headlights Xenon headlights standard on all models

Doors Rear-hinged back doors make access to the back seats much easier than you might imagine

Fuel economy Most drivers report fuel consumption of 16-20mpg

Cold starts Turning the engine off before it is fully warmed up can make it difficult to restart but modified engine control units, many replaced under warranty, have improved this characteristic

Gearbox Six-speed manual on the HP version, five-speed on the LP derivative

Boot space On a par with most modern superminis at 290 litres

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Mazda RX-8 High Power
Engine 1308cc rotary engine
Power 230bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 25.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 6.4sec
Top speed 146mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Mazda RX-8 HP with leather upholstery, 2004 04 with 20,000 miles and balance of manufacturer’s warranty. Pay £16,595 at a dealer, £15,000 privately

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY...

2003 53 Nissan 350Z
1999 V Lotus Esprit V8 GT
2004 54 Alfa Romeo 2.0 GT Coupé
2000 W Porsche Boxster 2.7
1999 S TVR Griffith 5 litre

VALUES



“Low Power” 190bhp cars worth £1,200 less than equivalent “High Power” 230bhp cars. Estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer