Mazda RX-8

Set to go on sale early next year, the innovative rotary-engined RX-8 supercoupé is expected to cost only £25,995 - and offer an astonishing 250bhp. We got to grips with the BMW 3-Series Coupé and Audi TT rival in the first test of an early prototype. Despite our car's rough-and-ready appearance, there's no doubt that the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 is one of the finest-looking Japanese machines ever.

With its innovative swing doors, swooping bonnet and short overhangs, the car looks every inch a performance machine. Yet the newcomer is also a practical four-seater. Tug the body-coloured handle and the front door swings open easily, leaving the back-hinged metal rear door firmly locked in place. To get into the rear, you merely reach down for a second handle hidden just inside. As a result, access to the figure-hugging front seats, mounted low in the cockpit, is easy. Fire the engine, and you are in for the next treat as the potent unit fizzes into life. With a capacity of only 1.3 litres, the compact and lightweight engine responds with incredible speed. Those familiar with the legendary RX-7's rotary engine will immediately recognise its wailing note, but this latest generation will surprise even the most demanding of drivers.

Maximum power is at a heady 8,500rpm, just shy of the 9,000rpm red line, while a torque figure of 216Nm is developed at 7,500rpm. It's easy to imagine that the RX-8 is slow to respond at low revs, but it obviously loves being pushed - some 90 per cent of the torque is available from only 3,250rpm, so the engine feels strong in the mid-range. The six-speed gearbox allows the powerband to be exploited almost perfectly, with very short throws and a well defined gate.

Though we had no test equipment available, it's hard to imagine that the 0-60mph dash took any longer than six seconds, and top speed should touch 150mph. Through challenging corners, the RX-8 feels solid and company engineers confirmed that the body is a great deal stiffer than even the RX-7's. Mazda uses a backbone chassis, similar to the Lotus Esprit's, combined with double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link rear axle which is as sophisticated as that of a Porsche 911.

Suspension settings are yet to be finalised, but our drive showed that the handling is on course to match the RX-8's performance. It is helped by near-perfect weight distribution.
Turn-in is not as sharp as we had expected, but Mazda promises production versions will not behave in such a way. Already, the system offers a great deal of precision, and gives a certain amount of feedback. Body roll is minimised by stiff anti-roll bars, yet the ride remains smooth and consistent with little cabin noise. The RX-8 will cause a big stir when it goes on sale in the UK in just under a year. Not only are the engine and body design unique in the new car market, but the extraordinary Mazda exudes a level of refinement which we believe will match the current favourites from BMW and Audi. Take the Japanese car's price into account and it's clear that this latest sports coupé is going to cause a revolution.