Test Drive: 2003 Mazda RX-8 Revolution

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Test drive to 2003 Mazda RX-8 Revolution

Chassis

The designers have equipped this car with so called Freestyle-doors. If the front doors are opened, the backdoors can be opened in the opposite direction. It still is a small entry, but once seated in the back, you’ll be surprised of the space and the comfort back there. It feels somewhat like being in a plane, with those small windows on the side. So it looks like a coupe but it has the functionality of a four door saloon. It’s the best of both worlds… if we don’t consider the trunk. It’s not big enough, and the opening is way too narrow.

Remarkable are also the numerous indications to the rotary engine: on the bonnet, in the front spoiler and also the back fog light, that have the shape of a triangular rotor.

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Interior

Mazda didn’t skip on equipment in this car. You get air conditioning, a sound system with CD-changer, satellite navigation and heated seats. From behind the steering wheel, in the nice leather seats, you look down onto a well build control panel. There is a big rev counter right in front of you with a red needle, waiting to get pushed over the white markings, right into the red zone. A digital speedometer tells you how fast you go. Also here we find indications to the rotors under the bonnet: on the shifting stick and in the headrest of the seats.

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Engine & Performance

Most cars of this type come with huge engines, but this has a 1.3 litre. It may only be a 1.3, but it is a rotary engine, originally invented by Felix Wankel in the fifties. The new rotary engine from Mazda, called the Renesis, delivers in this Standard Power version 192 bhp. A rotary engine is an internal combustion engine that works in a completely different way from conventional, 4-stroke piston engines. The pistons that move back and forth to make the crankshaft rotate, are replaced by one or more triangular rotors.

In a rotary engine there is no linear motion to convert. As combustion occurs the rotor is immediately made to turn thus reducing vibrations and increasing potential engine revs. A little buzzer tells you to change gear at 7.500 rpm. It’s not the torqueiest engine in the world but it's smooth: 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.2 seconds and it goes up to a top speed of 223 km/h.

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Fuel Consumption

One of the drawbacks of a rotary engine is that they aren’t very economical. A consumption of 11 litre/100 km is possible, if you take it very slow. If you hear the buzzer a couple of times, 14 litre/100 km is more realistic. With a fuel tank of 61 litres, you will only get 430 km far without refuelling.

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Driving

This RX-8 has got the perfect layout: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, with a limited slip differential. It also has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. On a dry road, this car is very easy to control. It feels light and agile, and the steering is very precise. When it starts to rain though, the rear starts to act a little nervous and it all starts to feel very twitchy. With the stability control off, this is an easy car to drift. Even with DSC on, the system leaves a lot of room to play, before it finally puts the car on the right track again.

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Comfort

If you don’t push the pedal to the metal all the time, this Mazda settles down and turns out to be quiet, comfortable and dignified. You can go to work with it, pick up some groceries, or go on a family visit with the kids. The leather seats are very comfortable and the driving position is good. The suspension is very comfortable also and the air conditioning is standard, although it’s not separated for the driver and the passenger.

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Safety

Four ventilated discs, together with anti-lock brakes with an electronic brake distribution, make this car stop in no time. A traction and stability control come standard too. Sporty drivers don’t have to worry, because they can be switched off completely. Six airbags will have to keep you and your passengers safe when it does go wrong.

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Price & Equipment

With prices kicking off at €29,999 this Mazda RX-8 is a bargain. Especially if you consider all the equipment that comes standard: a remote controlled alarm-system, automatic air conditioning, a BOSE sound system with nine speakers, a CD-changer and controls on the steering wheel. Also included are the 18-inch alloys, alloy doorsteps and fog lights in the front bumper. For an extra €3,500 you also get a full leather interior, electric seats that can be heated and satellite navigation. This gives our test car a price tag of €33,499.

If you want to compare it with its direct rivals, the Nissan 350Z and the Chrysler Crossfire 3.2, you better take a look at the 231 bhp version, which is available for €37,000.

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Engine & Transmission

Type Two-rotor Renesis engine, 16-valves

Location Front, transversely-mounted
Displacement 2 x 654 cc / 2 x 39.9 cu in
Bore Not Available
Stroke Not Available
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Power 143.2 kW / 192.0 bhp at 7000 rpm
Torque 220.0 Nm / 162.3 ft lbs at 5000 rpm
Drive Rear wheel drive
Transmission 5-speed manual
Front brakes Ventilated discs
Rear brakes Ventilated discs
Steering Rack and pinion w/ power assistance

Performance & Fuel Economy

0 - 62 mph 7.2 seconds
0 - 100 mph Not Available
0 - ¼ mile Not Available
Top Speed 223.0 kph / 138.6 mph
EPA city 15,1 l/100 km
EPA highway 8,3 l/100 km
EPA combined 10,8 l/100 km
Our driving 14,0 l/100 km

Dimensions & Weight

Length 4430 mm / 174.4 in
Width 1770 mm / 69.7 in
Height 1340 mm / 52.8 in
Wheelbase 2700 mm / 106.3 in
Front track 1500 mm / 59.1 in
Rear track 1505 mm / 59.3 in
Front tyres 225/45-R18
Rear tyres 225/45-R18
Kerb weigth 1394 kg / 3073 lbs
Max. permitted weigth 1800 kg / 3968 lbs
Seating capacity 4 seats
Trunk volume 290 liter
Fuel capacity 61,0 liter
Spare wheel Repair kit

Price

Available from €29,999 (Standard Power 192 pk - Challenge)
Price as tested €33,499 (Standard Power 192 pk - Revolution)

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Performance
Full four-seater
Price

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Fuel economy
Stiff gearbox
Small trunk

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Test by Supercarsite.net

http://www.supercarsite.net/test_drive_rx-8.htm

[SilverG35SportC]

How is that any differnt that any other Rx-8?.....

[bk4uyeah]

also, do you have any comparison specs?