Flowing from the fenders is a curvaceous wedge theme incorporating two discreet rear doors that achieve a clamshell effect by opening opposite to the front doors. A stubby rear trunk completes the nicely proportioned body. When penning the RX8 blueprints, the low profile of its rotary engine enabled Mazda to carry-off a lower than normal hood line, which augments the overall subtle wedge shape.
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| Due to the smaller profile of the rotary engine, Mazda was able to design the RX8 with a lower than normal hood line. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Setting the RX8 apart from most other sports cars is its ability to seat four adults and still convey a two-seater image. With such versatility, small families can seriously refer to their people hauler as a "sports car," and mean it. Although the rear seats are somewhat space-challenged, ingress and egress is made simple through the rear half-doors. Once ensconced in the rear, passengers will find suitable legroom provided the front passengers are obliging enough to suck-it-in and move their seats considerably forward. Without this expression of mercy, those traveling economy class may wish to refer to the section of the Geneva Convention that regulates the ethical treatment of prisoners. Headroom is less problematic. The tips of my coif barely brushed the roofliner when I sat my 5-foot 11-inch frame bolt upright.
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| Unlike many sports cars on the market the RX8's backseats are easily accessible, thanks to the rear half-doors. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Nonetheless, I stuffed Junior and his Karate partner into the rear seats and heard little complaining once I repositioned the driver's seat, which of course significantly altered my driving kinesics. After reacquainting myself with the location of the clutch, we were off to a smooth start. The presence of easily accessed rear seats in the RX8 is a notable elevation in its practicality over that of strict two-seaters such as the
Chrysler Crossfire and the Nissan 350Z. A function that increases the RX8's target audience - a consequence Mazda no doubt intended. Unfortunately the rear seats don't fold down to fully colorize the RX8's picture of practicality. There is a sizeable pass-thru, however, which will no doubt aid the skiers among us; but with its short trunk lid, placement of bulky items into the deep cargo area may be stymied.
