Autocar - Negative Review

[conehead]

There's a disapointingly negative review of the 240ps RX8 in the 30 July Edition of Autocar (UK). It was up against (and lost out to) the Nissan 350Z.

I haven't the time or inclination to type it out in full, but a few choice phrases are...

"...why does it have bigger wheel arch gaps than an Audi Allroad..."

"...ill chosen gear ratios..."

"...having a steering wheel that only adjust for rake is unfogivable..."

"...the world's most oddly placed gear stick..."

"...over long clutch pedal..."

"...you need to move beyond 6k rpm before the 228bhp claim doesn't sound like a rather large fib..."

"...ugainly ride height manifests itself through corners as large ammounts of body roll..."

"...doesn't take too much speed to unsettle the damping..."

"...there was some flex from the body shell...[n.b. due to the lack of b-pillar]...the suspicion remains that the RX8 has been signed off a little on the soft side because the shell wouldn't take it any other way."



There were many plus points, such as the build quality, refinement, the package as a "concept" and the engine (though they're weren't impressed with torque and power <6k prm).

Unfortunately all the negative points seemed to revolve around the driving experience....pity, that's what I hope would win it acclaim.

Anyway, one swallow doesn't make a summer...or lets hope so...

Ciaran.

[t2rew]

tut.... what do they know

[Glenn Butcher]

Interesting, Autocar was the same magazine that was raving about it for over a year now.

Oh well - must have some wally doing the story.

I have read nothing but good reviews to date.

[clive]

Totally agree with Glenn , first real bad report and a HUGE turn around!

Hmmmmm saying weird stuff like Body flex !!!! and yet stiffness is one of this cars real fortes, this journo either wants to make a "name" or got out of bed the wrong side, like through the wall !!

As ever though Auto Express still likes it . ( see below )


All the best Clive
clive@mazdarotaryclub.com
www.mazdarotaryclub.com



July 2003


Mazda RX-8




Is the world of performance cars about to be turned upside down? With a sensational blend of performance, price and design, Mazda is promising that its new rotary-engined RX-8 has got what it takes to do much more than that. To put such a bold claim to the test, Auto Express got behind the wheel of the first car available in the UK and headed for the open road.

Set to challenge sports saloons such as the Subaru Impreza, plus coupés including the Nissan 350Z and Audi TT, the RX-8 aims to set new standards in an ultra-competitive class.

The Mazda has already made a significant impact, as its four-seat, four-door design and potent 1.3-litre rotary engine mark it out as unique. Initially, two near-identical versions will be offered - an entry-level £20,000 car with a 190bhp variant of the 1.3-litre engine, and a £22,000 flagship developing 230bhp. Only a few options are available, including metallic paint and leather-trim seats. Nearly everything else is standard, including electric windows, air-con and a sound system.

Smooth and virtually silent at idle, the engine responds eagerly to throttle input. The twin rotor unit has a pair of triangular pistons spinning in the same direction in two circular chambers. This lets it rev beyond 9,000rpm, and it's very refined. However, the engine must be worked hard to develop peak power. While fuel economy is a reasonable 24.8mpg for the 230bhp model, CO2 emissions are high at 284g/km.

Another unusual characteristic of the unit is that the 190bhp version produces more torque than the 230bhp edition. Despite this, the 190bhp car is not as swift as the flagship, but both are a delight to drive. The steering is a little light, but very responsive, and the fact that the motor is mounted so far back in the chassis makes the Mazda feel more like a mid-engined roadster than a four-seater GT.

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supple suspension set-up offers a comfortable ride and a good degree of stability, although the body design, with its wide-opening doors, means that there's some flex and wobble in the shell. However, this movement is far from being intrusive and leaves the RX-8 feeling like a bigger MX-5.

What's more, the brakes are sensational, offering plenty of feel and loads of stopping power. The ABS system is also among the most sporty we have tried, because it refuses to intervene unless absolutely necessary.

Two gearboxes are available, a five- speed for the 190bhp version and a six-speeder for the 230bhp model - and both offer a short throw and neatly stacked ratios. However, we felt that the selector on our low-mileage test car was rather 'sticky' - perhaps the gearbox will improve with age.

More comfortable than many rival sports cars, it takes time to appreciate the RX-8's appeal. Even so, it's a great car, with accurate steering, a practical interior and a reasonable price. Although the new Mazda is likely to appeal most to adventurous drivers, they can bank on having a whole load of fun behind the wheel.
Dan Strong

[Wim Wellinghoff]

I suppose the journalist is an Audi TT driver and has no clue about real cars.!

[hillery69]

He is just p!st off cos he knows it will sell better than the Audi :censored::censored::censored::censored:Te!:D

[Martiny]

Anyone who pitches the RX-8 against the 350Z has got it all wrong. Its a practical 4 seater with good performance. The 350z an all out sports car that a new RX-7 might compete with.

I wonder what the 350z costs anyway, must be way more. How does one test body flex anyway??? The journalist looked at the doors and said"That must allow body flex", so he felt it.

These journalists are tw4ts anyway. My colleagues rave about Top Gear, and Ive hardly ever watched it. Apparently they drove a Bentley that had NO oversteer, and NO understeer. What a load of cr4p! Every car's got those. Thats why I dont watch it. Cant we get Martin Brundle to do it instead?