The Mazda RX-8 2009, pleasure…and more pleasure!
As you probably already know, the RX-8 is not Mazda’s most popular vehicle. In fact, it’s now their least popular model, with only 659 units sold last year. While we obviously can’t expect to move as many RX-8s as the ever-popular Mazda3 or Tribute, in my humble opinion, sales of these sports coupes should be higher.
It’s true that when the RX-8 made its debut, it had its fair share of problems in terms reliability. It’s also true that its rather “exotic” fuel consumption has deterred quite a few buyers, now more than ever. That said, today’s RX-8 is a mature, brilliantly conceived vehicle that successfully combines practicality and a sporty drive – a rare quality.
Indeed, few cars under $40,000 are able to express themselves on the road with so much verve, leaving no doubt in your mind that the RX-8 is a great sports car. Despite offering what you could call a rather conservative level of power, it manages to put faster – and more expensive – vehicles to shame on the track. And the R3 version, new in 2009, is definitely the sharpest of them all. It’s the only one that features Bilstein shock absorbers (which have been specially adapted for the car) and 19-inch wheels.
The RX-8 is able to cruise the road with such balance thanks in large part to its exceptional front/back weight distribution of 48%/52%. Of course, the ultra-rigid chassis, precise steering and high-performance tires combine to give this vehicle the same agility on the road as Guy Lafleur demonstrates on the ice, but it’s clear that the weight distribution is an important factor in this equation. Speaking of weight, you may be surprised to hear that the RX-8 weighs in under 1,400 kg.
The secret is pleasure
Unlike many of its rivals, RX-8 comes with rear-wheel drive. Its amazing balance limits swaying of the rear train; though this sometimes occurs nonetheless, adding a little spice to your driving. For safety reasons, Mazda has equipped this coupe with an electronic stability control system, which is permissive enough so that it doesn’t interfere with your driving pleasure. Good thing, since that’s where the secret of the RX-8 lies. There would be no point in telling you that it’s agile, easy to handle and superbly balanced if the car was no fun to drive – but believe me, it is!
The RX-8 is the type of vehicle that will make you look for excuses to go out. With this kind of car, taking the long route is a pleasure, and you never get bored. In addition to feeling like you and the vehicle are one, you’ll note that the music coming from the exhaust is so enchanting, you’ll wonder why you even need the standard Bose audio system.
Thirsting for rotations
The RX-8’s famous Wankel rotary engine is without a doubt one of its unique characteristics. To answer the often-asked question, this unusual engine requires no special upkeep, other than checking the oil regularly. That said, keep in mind that it’s better to have it serviced by an experienced person. In the version with manual transmission, the engine produces 232 horsepower (212 hp in the automatic) and performs differently than a V6 or turbo compressed in-line four. A little like a motorcycle, it takes hills at full capacity (up to 9,000 rpm), but produces very little torque. And, as I mentioned before, it emits the sweetest sound.
Obviously, the lack of torque forces the driver to play with the gearshift in order to attain a respectable amount of power. In fact, the driver has to accelerate sooner to reach the desired power. Since that means pushing the pedal a little more, a rather alarming fuel consumption results. That explains the major disparity between the Energuide fuel consumption rating and our calculations. For a combination of city and highway driving, Energuide says that, on average, 11 litres will be used for every 100 kilometres. Personally, when I drove it in and out of town (even using the recommended fuel type), I couldn’t do better than 15.7 litres/100km. That’s more than a Mustang with a 300-hp V8 engine uses!
Not a station wagon, but…
One of the most interesting aspects of this coupe, other than its talent on the road, is the fact that four adults can fit inside well enough. Obviously, you shouldn’t expect it to be as spacious as a CX-9, but for a sports coupe, it’s exceptional. What’s more, thanks to the suicide doors (the rear doors open in the opposite direction), access to the back seats couldn’t be easier.
We tried an R3 with comfortable Recaro seats that hug your body and noteworthy red stitching on the steering wheel and gear shift. Everything else seems to have remained unchanged, which suggests there’s been little criticism. And yet, I personally have noted two things that could be improved. First, I often enjoy a roof that opens, but with this car I’d have to live without one since there just isn’t enough headroom. This isn’t a problem in my favourite version, the R3, since you can’t even get it with a moonroof. However, if you’re considering this option, I hope you aren’t more than 5’6”. The other thing is the danged key that looks like a credit card and is supposed to be intelligent, but never really is. Since we know that this key is now ancient history at Mazda because their new models (like the 2009 Mazda6) don’t use it, it’s time that their other cars did away with it, too.
In closing, I should mention that despite being well into its fifth year, the RX-8 is still a real beauty. Although the front end and wheels have been spruced up this year (a real plus), you just never get tired of looking at this car. The RX-8 is ageing gracefully, and its aesthetics represent who she is: a sharp sports car designed to put a little spice in her driver’s life.