I test drove the 2008 Grand Touring model, the most expensive of the three options, including the Sport and Touring. Each has a 1.3-liter, 232-horsepower engine with a six-speed manual transmission or a 1.3-liter, 212-horsepower engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. (The automatic allows manual shifting via floor lever or steering-wheel paddles.)
My test vehicle featured the six-speed manual and its tight, short-throw gear configuration is one of the smoothest I've driven. The RX-8 isn't the fastest (or slowest) car on the road. But a driver gets a good sense of the vehicle's designation as a sporty performance car while "ripping" through the gears.
The top of the gear shifter has a triangular insignia, an acknowledgment of the triangular-shaped engine rotors. The theme is carried throughout the vehicle — a slightly raised triangle hood pattern to the rotor-shaped portals on the tops of the two front seats.
Further distinguishing the RX-8 is the convenience of back-seat access via the independent rear doors. Similar to the "suicide" doors, the two rear doors open from the center outward, but not unless the front doors are opened first.
The RX-8 scoots around town and maneuvers adeptly on the freeway. With its 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, sport independent front and rear multi-link rear sport suspension, the Mazda drives like a not-too-distant relative to Volvo. In short, the RX-8 offers a tight, in-control ride at any speed.
Despite its sedan tendencies, the RX-8 is still a sports car, and by definition that prompts the vehicle's only dilemma. Its low platform and lowing seating structure isn't conducive to easy entry or exit.
Facts & Figures: Safety -- Driver and passenger front, side and side curtain airbags; Warranty -- Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles, Powertrain, 5 years/60,miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; Free Roadside Assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles; Mileage Estimates -- 16 mpg (city); 22 mpg (highway); Base Price -- $31,070.
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