Mazda RX-8 1.3 6-speed Review: Rotary Club

What we like:

Smooth revving motor

unique rotary engine and suicide door design

sharp handling

What we dislike:

Not much torque from engine

more engaging to drive as a manual

autobox not a twin clutch

thirsty

Mazda has equipped its RX-8 with loads of standard kit to differentiate it from JDM spec parallel imported cars. The official car's standard equipment list include a Bose 9-speaker sound system, six airbags, factory fitted leather, electric sunroof, cruise control, Xenon headlamps and so on.

With the RX-8, Mazda has continued Felix Wankel's rotary engine legacy. The Japanese brand is already into developing a next generation rotary motor that is set to overcome the current motor's lack of torque and high fuel consumption shortcomings. This upcoming motor can be found in some of Mazda's concept cars including the Taiki.

The RX-8 isn't exactly perfect nor the best sports coupe out there - a Volkswagen Scirocco Sport is quicker while a Nissan 370Z has a more muscular motor. The Mazda though, is unique and special in its own right - it has a bespoke rotary motor, four doors for added practicality and a dynamic rear-wheel drive chassis. The updates on the new car might be subtle but they do make the RX-8 that slightly more desirable once again.

Credits: Story by William Whey Photos by Raymond Lai