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Mazda RX-8 PZ - Mazda Rx-8 Car Review

Review

Added: 31 May 2007
Last update: 24 Dec 2009

THIS limited edition of Mazda's rotart engined RX-8 is a beauty which has the exciting looks of a classical sports car and all the super power you would expect to propel it at breathtaking speeds.

An American comic superhero would not look out of place behind the wheel because it is built for leaving pedestrians gasping the likes of "Wow, what was that?"

It's certainly very, very exclusive.

Canny Mazda has limited production to just 800 cars, ensuring it becomes one of the most sought-after sports coupes in the UK.

I drove a Mazda RX-8 last year and it was such terrific, pulse-racing fun. Indeed, with its unique engine, perfect 50-50 weight distribution, which makes it great for balance and handling, and revolutionary four-door styling, you know you are driving something special.

But the RX-8 PZ is an even more focused version of this award-winning coupe.

And the good, and somewhat surprising thing, is that it can seat four people reasonably comfortably, with the back seats easily accessible through the ingenious free-style rear doors.

This is not an idle claim. I took my family camping in Wales last year in the similar-dimension RX-8 and we all crammed in, together with luggage and food in the boot.

The cockpit, apart from genuinely being accommodating, showcases impressive design touches, including cowled dials and high-backed, bolstered, leather power-adjustable sports seats.

The sports styling continues with a black leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, rotar-shaped gear knob and drilled alloy pedals.

Simply great driving luxury - and you also get class-leading equipment including climate control, electric front windows, and a premium BOSE audio system with a six-CD autochanger and nine surround-sound speakers.

Its looks are drop-dead dynamic with a low nose and pronounced wheel arches.

In addition there are striking new design features. The aerodynamic exterior changes were developed using Prodrive's expertise and the MIRA wind tunnel.

The ten-spoke 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels are from Italian specialist OZ Racing, a Formula One supplier and are finished in dark silver.

At the rear, a unique spoiler reduces lift and increases high speed stability. Aerodynamics are boosted further with low-drag sports door mirrors. New mesh grilles feature on the front air intakes and rear vent.

Discreet Mazda RX-8 PZ badges declare the car's exclusive pedigree along with badging on the rear spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tailpipes.

At its heart and providing the power is Mazda's unique RENESIS engine, a power unit unlike anything else on the road at the moment.

With a Le Mans winning heritage, this compact twin-rotary engine revs effortlessly to 9,000rpm, giving adrenaline charging acceleration from 0-62mph in just 6.4 seconds.

The maximum power output of 231bhp drives the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, giving a top speed of 146mph.

And the car's enthralling sound has been emphasised thanks to a new, upgraded exhaust system designed to accentuate it.

Bootwise you get 290 litres, which is big enough for a full set of golf clubs - or plenty of camping gear at a squeeze.

With such a terrific coupe, you would expect no scrimping on safety and security, and Mazda has ensured it is packed with such features.

FAST FACTS

MAZDA RX-8 PZ

Price: £25,995

Mechanical: 231bhp, 1,308cc, rotary petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 146mph

0-62mph: 6.4 secs

Combined mpg: 25.2

Insurance group: 17

CO2 emissions: 284g/km

BiK rating: 35%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Words: Andy Richards

Keywords: mazda, rx-8


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