Mazda has a new spin on accessories for its unique rotary powered RX-8. There are none.

The new generation RX-8 R3 unveiled earlier this year will hit British showrooms in late August, but there are no options available on the car.
It comes in at £24,995 with a very comprehensive standard equipment list including over a dozen items of equipment not previously available on an RX-8.

Buyers will also enjoy the new BOSE premium audio system with Centerpoint surround sound, AudioPilot noise compensation technology exclusively designed for R3 with an eight-channel digital amplifier. A 6-CD autochanger, nine speakers and an AUX auxiliary jack for connecting an MP3 player, complete the audio system (left).
Externally, the new RX-8 has standard-fit Sports Styling Pack comprises a sport front bumper, side skirts and rear wing all finished in body colour.

The new model’s front wings no longer feature the air-extractor vents behind the wheel arches and accommodate the turn-repeater light instead. 

The more aggressive appearance created by the revised styling is complimented by the all-new larger diameter 19-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 40 section tyres. 

These extra-light wheels have five ‘rotor-shaped’ spokes and are finished in dark titanium (right).

Under this new stylish skin sits a significantly improved 231ps 1.3 litre retuned engine with sharper responses and better lubrication to improve driving pleasure and ownership, reworked chassis incorporating Bilstein absorbers, front wishbones with rear multi-links, and modified brakes and steering.

The redesigned stiffer chassis promotes better handling and greater comfort and the front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive configuration of the original, delivers an ideal 50/50 weight distribution.

The now familiar four door coupe body with its distinctive rear hinged ‘suicide’ back doors is really a two-plus-two with a small boot.

 “New Mazda RX-8 R3 is the ultimate expression of Mazda’s brand DNA, demonstrating our determination to do things differently,” said Mark Cameron, Mazda UK Marketing Director. 

 “The R3 delivers an even more focused and even more sporty driving experience, while retaining the original model’s many uniquely attractive technical innovations and adding numerous premium features. It remains the perfect ‘flagship’ model for Mazda in the UK.”

The high revving 1.3 litre engine produces one of the highest emission figures for any car at 299gkm and it is expected to average under 25mpg. It reaches 62mph in 6.4sec and has a maximum of 146mph.

If looks alone guaranteed success for any car, the Mazda RX-8 would be a sellout.

But what lies under the curvy coupe body is just as impressive in the right hands.

The 1.3 litre engine pushes out a remarkable 231ps thanks to its minimalist design and light weight and while it sounds busy it seems unburstable.

Full credit must also go to the light and direct six-speed gearchange, developed from that in the MX-5, and the beautifully balanced brakes and electrically assisted steering.

The major controls impart remarkable feel and feedback over twisting roads and the compliant sports suspension generally soaks up bumps without too many jarring the interior.

The traditional mid-ships front engine and rear wheel drive accounts for a lot of this fine balance, particularly over bumpy roads, and its big wheels and tyres give it tremendous grip.

Room in the front seats is very good even if the Recaros are a tight fit for some users but the rear pair are of very limited practical use with virtually no legroom when the front seats are set for six-footers.

Excellent visibility meant the Mazda RX-8 R3 could be placed very precisely on the road and so long as you exercised caution reversing into a parking space with the small back window and high tail, it was nimble.

The engine note is generally smooth but can become harsh at higher revolutions while the big tyres also generate a modest amount of rumbles.
It is, however, a pleasant addiction to hear that unique engine spinning away while the car eagerly responds to the gentlest of steering and braking inputs. It feels extremely well sorted.
The Mazda RX-8 R3 gives so much, so well from so little you can understand why it doesn’t need anything else.