2006 Mazda RX-8 GT Road Test

(Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

And what can I say about the rotary engine... it's marvellous! It spins to a 9,000 RPM redline and emits a metallic bark that is both unique and great to listen to. The engine lacks a little torque, and the RX-8 doesn't accelerate is swiftly as you would like, but the car compensates with excellent handling. You can deactivate the traction control (standard on GT models) and have a little fun kicking out the tail without risking a trip in the ditch.

The engine has the power of a good V6, but unless you drive the RX-8 like a senior citizen, which is pretty hard in a car like this, you'll get the fuel consumption of a small V8. My average over the week is 14.9 L/100 km, and the car requires super unleaded.

As for its exterior appearance, the car gets the stares, especially in red. The fenders are flared to accept 18-inch wheels show just how the RX-8

(Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

doesn't have an ounce of fat on its body. I think that the rear end lacks a little flair, compared to the front that's much more exciting to look at. The trunk is of average size, but its opening is really small.

The rear doors help access the rear seat, but they also have their shortcomings. First of all, in a typical shopping center parking lot, I have a hard time getting my kids out, because we're stuck in the small space between the car and the open doors. We bang our heads on the roof hinge when trying to climb in back. When we close the front doors, we always get the impression that they're never closed tightly. Finally, the B-pillar which separates the front and rear doors is so fat that it creates an aggravating blind spot on the driver's side.

The Mazda RX-8 GT has a base price of $40,295. My test car included the Velocity Red Mica paint ($105), a power sunroof ($1,000) and the

(Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

navigation system ($3,000), which totals $44,400. That's starting to get expensive, but the RX-8 doesn't really have any direct competition.

The RX-8 is a rarity these days; a true sports car with an affordable price and room for four people. Personally, I'd choose the $37,095 GS. Its equipment level is slightly more modest, but it offers the same brilliant performance for less money.

What I like:
Fun to drive
Exterior appearance
Room for four people

What I don't like:
High fuel consumption
Massive B-pillar is aggravating
No storage space inside