Facelift for the Mazda RX8

IT HAS been 40 years since Mazda released its first rotary-engine production model, a twin-rotor coupe called Cosmo Sport in mid-1967.

Five years since Mazda released the RX8, its successor to the RX7, the model has been reviewed and an 09 version has just been launched and is now available at Brunei's Mazda dealer, Grand Motors Sdn Bhd. The new RX8 has been given a facelift with new and bigger rims and a more efficient low-gear ratio.

Mazda has reincorporated its signature rotary engine in its RX8 with a newer version known as Renesis. A rotary engine has triangular rotors instead of conventional pistons, and it tends to get smoother and more powerful the faster it rotates. The refined Renesis engine lasts longer, which was one of the main problems the RX7 faces, where a troublesome servicing is needed every 50 to 60 thousand km in mileage. Back to the RX8 09's facelift, a fierce front spoiler replaces the old with xenon headlights staring down sternly. Side grills behind the front wheels have been replaced by triangular indicators, signifying the triangle shaped rotary engine and the rotary theme continues with a triangular indentation that replaces the rear bumper. New 18-inch, five-spoke rims are also incorporated to replace the previously bland looking ones.

The 09 version is available in two trims, both are 1.3-litre two-rotor engines, with 212-horsepower in the automatic transmission. But when you opt for the manual six-speed transmission, you are rewarded with 232-horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque, which arrives at 5,500 rpm. In Brunei, however, only the more powerful manual transmission is available for sale.

The Renesis engine redlines at a whopping 9,000 rpm giving off a delightful 'beep' to signal the need of a gear change, allowing drivers to focus on the road instead of the meter.

As I drove this newer RX8, I touched the redline easily. Even without maximum acceleration the car climbs the rpm meter without difficulty and as the car touches above 5,500 rpm the engine hums delightfully like a mini F1 car with a low tone from the cars twin chrome exhausts.

The poor low-gear ratio is still slightly noticeable as I drove through heavy traffic, but once faced with a clear road, that fact hardly bothered me as I breezed through all six gears with the beeps of the gear-shift indicator.

The rotary engine is compact enough to sit back in the car to the point where Mazda engineers have been able to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution. That type of weight distribution equals great handling and it is definitely one of the more 'European-like' Japanese car that I've driven. Even though the roof is low, all-round visibility is good and it's not difficult to park or manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Improved insulation and rigidity on the 09 RX8 means better sound-proofing and reduced vibrations. The triangular theme does continue in the interior and audiophile's will enjoy a surround-sound Bose audio system with six-CD autochanger and an input jack socket is available which shows the car keeping up with today's trends of iPod's and mp3 players.

Safety features that come standard include frontal and side-impact airbags (for torso protection) for the front passengers, and curtain airbags (for head protection) front and rear. A tire pressure monitor is also standard on all models. Other features include anti-locking brakes with electronic brake-force distribution along with DSC stability control.

Bear in mind, this is a coupe with an affordable price tag of approximately $57,000 which can seat four people comfortably. Not only that, it's easily accessible with four-doors, making it a practical car more convenient for a family than most standard coupes.

For an entry-level priced sports car, this one fairs up pretty well against its rivals.

The Brunei Times