Mazda with the RX-factor

By ALASTAIR SLOANE motoring editor

Mazda New Zealand executives go all gooey when talk turns to their rotary-powered four-door sports car, the RX-8.

"People who have driven the RX-8 do not want the experience to stop," says managing director Peter Aitken.

"That is not some cute advertising line. It is true. I know because I have quickly become a convert."

Marketing manager Andrew Clearwater reckons the pillarless rear doors are the bee's knees.

"When people first see the car they think it is a two-door. When you open the rear doors they are completely taken by surprise."

Adds Aitken: "Pictures don't do it justice. It's a sports car with the x-factor. People are staggered when we tell them it has a price tag of only $61,995."

Clearwater again: "The styling certainly turns heads. The performance is breathtaking. The car's unique features will ensure that sales remain strong for a longer period than conventional sports cars, which have a very limited shelf life.

The new RX-8, launched on roads between Rotorua and Taupo 48 hours ago, might be a lot of things, but it certainly redefines the sporting coupe.

The car and its "Freestyle" rear-hinged doors were first seen as the RX-Evolv concept at the 1999 Tokyo motor show.

Its rear doors open from the centre of the car and help solve a problem with coupes, that of access to the rear seats via one of two long, heavy doors.

But the design comes with some baggage. It is here that we mustn't mention the S word. Such rear doors were once known as "suicide doors", because they could fling occupants who opened the doors on the move into the street.

Mazda doesn't like references to the "S word". Design has come a long way since the dark days of such doors and those in the RX-8 can only be opened by an inside catch after the front door has been opened.

A quick once-over shows the RX-8 combines essential sporting ingredients - it is light (1354kg) and compact with unusual bodywork linked to Mazda DNA and highlighted by the high wheel arches. Those who have spent time in the car say that, despite the compact dimensions, the cabin is roomy. Only the high-backed front seats restrict rear passengers' visibility.

The car is built around a strong central body spine which runs through the cockpit, just as Lotus founder Colin Chapman built his cars. The Mazda MX-5 was based on a Lotus model, too.

It rides on double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear.

The instrument panel is X-Box/PS2-generation, with shiny chrome and black finishes, and a digital speedometer sits alongside the analogue rev counter.

Two RX-8 models are available, both priced at $61,995. One uses a 177kW High Power engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the other a Standard 141kW unit using Mazda's four-speed Activematic sequential transmission.

The two-rotor engines are compact, with 1308cc displacement, mounted back in the engine bay for an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. They are said to be smooth and flexible, relying more on high revs than torque for performance. The High Power unit develops its 177kW at 8200rpm and its peak torque of 211Nm at 5500rpm. The Standard 141kW engine revs to 7000rpm and produces 220Nm at 5000rpm.

The RX-8 comes with everything that opens and shuts, including free servicing for three years or 100,00km.