Mazda's hot revolver

Fans of sports cars must pay homage to the Audi TT for developing the market so far. But the time comes when others catch up.

In terms of styling, Mazda has a very serious contender in its RX-8. Not only does it challenge the current sports models on offer, it also lays down a challenge to some of the common perceptions we have of roadsters.

First the price . . . coming in at €40,940 for the 190 bhp entry model, it offers more power per euro than any of its rivals. It's also cheaper than the entry level TT, and offers 42 bhp more.

Even the range-topping 231 bhp model at €48,600 offers serious competition to more recognised racers, and recent newcomers such as the Nissan 350Z and Chrysler Crossfire will be about €10,000 more. Its nearest rival is probably the Toyota Celica, but its styling offers so much more.

It's a look that moulds muscular US lines similar to the Dodge Viper with smoother European edges and that "ready to pounce"' snout. Yet it combines these with a spacious boot (for its class) and four usable seats, thanks in part to the freestyle "suicide" rear doors that open back.

While in fairness the claim to be a full four-seater is a little far-fetched, and leg room is at a premium in the back. However, considering what's offered by the competition, it's a huge leap in the right direction.

The added space may just rejuvenate the sports car market in Europe, currently losing out to more roomy convertibles and coupé saloons.

Then there's the engine: a 1.3-litre unit offering a limited speed of 151 mph (we've heard of some reaching over 160 mph), a choice of 192 bhp and 231 bhp and 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds on the higher powered unit. Perhaps its most impressive feature is the addictive whine, akin to a single-seat racer, when you blip the right foot and rev it to an enormous 8,000 rpm.

These seemingly outrageous stats are thanks to the rotary technology, which can be traced back to German inventor Felix Wankel. The rotary technology is nothing new, and has had a rather chequered career, due in part to its historically voracious consumption. Therefore, while 1.8 million rotary engines have been built, mostly for the RX-7, they can be found mainly in the US, where fuel is cheap.

However, Mazda is quick to point to pretty respectable consumption figures for the RX-8, claiming it uses a massive 40 per cent less fuel than its predecessor, and offers 24.7 mpg on the combined cycle.

Our experiences behind the wheel of the RX-8 left us with nothing but fond memories and when matched to the price, initial impressions would suggest Mazda has a real winner on its hands.