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Mazda RX-8 192 Ps road test

A very enjoyable car to drive, expectation is high and it doesn't disappoint. Excellent handling, decent quality and good value for money.

Performance

With 192 bhp, I was expecting a lot from this car, and it didn’t disappoint. Acceleration is an absolute joy, mainly due to the rear wheel drive, doing 0-60mph in around 8 seconds. Suspension is quite hard, and holds the road fantastically well. All you would expect from this style of car.

Ride & Handling

Excellent in this area, with the 17” alloy wheels and great suspension, the car handles like a dream. The power steering and suspension gives you the confidence to take the corners at a speed you would normally be a little reticent about, all done in comfort due to the 4 individual seats in the vehicle.

Build Quality & Reliability

The quality of the car was surprisingly good, with a very solid feel to it, and with an excellent Bose stereo in the vehicle with the 6 cd in dash player always a bonus. As for reliability, never a problem, as with most Mazda’s, it is what you come to expect.

Safety & Security

The car felt extremely safe, although low to the road, you feel as though you are in a cocoon of safety due to the solid build quality and also the numerous airbags and safety features that adorn the car.

Space & Practicality

With most vehicles in the RX8’s class, you may as well give up on the back seats, especially for adults, but in this vehicle Mazda have placed 4 individual seats which means that you can actually use them for what they are intended, and not just as extra luggage space. The boot is very large for a car of its type, and gives you a feeling of actually being a bigger car than it is.

Ownership & Value

For the price and what you get for your money, I feel that this is and excellent choice if you are in the market for a sporty little number. Sleek lines and powerful engine, gives you the admiring glances from other motorist’s. A very enjoyable car.

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