Mazda RX8 Takes New Car Honours

In the latest edition of Auto Express, the Mazda RX8 took best coupe award in the Auto Express New Car Honours for the second consecutive year. So far this year the rotary powered sports car has took no less than 39 accolades internationally, and won at least ten awards in the UK, outlining this unique coupe's global success.

Auto Express praised the coupe for its individuality and uniqueness: "What’s this, a four door winning the coupé award? Of course the Mazda RX-8 doesn’t exactly pay attention to convention. Picking up this award for the second time, the mould-breaking Japanese coupé has proved it’s not just a flash in the pan."

There are two engines to choose from and both are powered by a newly developed rotary engine, RENESIS that combines high levels of performance potential, with acceptable fuel consumption and low emissions. Top of the range is the 230 which produces 231ps at 8,200rpm achieving 211Nm of maximum torque at 5,500rpm and can reach 0-62 mph in 6.4 secs, and a top speed of 146 mph.

At just £20,500 for the entry model 192, the Mazda RX8 is a sports car which suits most budgets, and as well as appealing to true sports car enthusiasts, also proves popular with families thanks to its pillarless freestyle door system allowing easy access for children and adults, unlike conventional coupés.

Handling is good too which led Auto Express to say: "In fact the RX-8 is a joy to drive. With great turn‑in and a fun-loving nature, it’s a hugely entertaining car.

Auto Express concluded: "The whole package looks even better when you consider the equipment and value for money. No wonder it remains our top rated coupé."

The unfaltering demand for Mazda RX-8 has been further boosted by the endurance racing in the S1 Production Series with five race wins this season demonstrating that Mazda RX‑8’s unique rotary engine not only provides exhilarating performance, but is durable and reliable even under the most extreme driving conditions. The true speed and reliability of the Mazda RX‑8 will be further put to the test with races taking place at Oulton Park on 6 August and a 24-hour endurance race at Silverstone on 11-12 September.