For 2009, Mazda's flagship sports coupe gets numerous improvements. While relatively subtle, these upgrades inject newfound dynamism into the car. After five years on the market, the RX-8 was beginning to show serious signs of age. The rebirth took place last January at the Detroit Auto Show.
The design is remarkable. The RX-8 is simply magnificent, evolving with flair while retaining the same overall look. The fully-redesigned front fascia is now more in line with the rest of the Mazda lineup. The headlight clusters are sleeker, while the smiling grille sports a new black horizontal trim. The front air intakes are larger and still feature integrated fog lights. Meanwhile, the side air vents now occupy the upper section of the front fenders instead of running along the wheel arches.
Elsewhere, the 2009 RX-8 boasts new, more aerodynamic mirrors, new taillights and a set of more aggressive alloy wheels. All in all, Mazda designers commendably enhanced the car's styling while building on the success of the first generation.
The interior is also slightly revised, with greater harmony between the various design elements and a superb short-diameter steering wheel. However, the piano-black trim on the center console is still there. Sure, it might look nice at first, but you have to keep a towel at hand because the slightest prints are all you will see. Build quality is good, though, both inside and out.
Liveability is unchanged. Small rear doors with hinges in the back allow access to the two rear seats. Every passenger enjoys limited room, while visibility is affected by the massive rear pillars. Front occupants benefit from Recaro sports seats which provide great support and effectively hold your body in check through twists and turns. The driving position is pretty upright, but it sure improves forward visibility. Finally, soundproofing is good; the rotary engine sounds sweet without being invasive.
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| For 2009, Mazda's flagship sports coupe gets numerous improvements. |
The design is remarkable. The RX-8 is simply magnificent, evolving with flair while retaining the same overall look. The fully-redesigned front fascia is now more in line with the rest of the Mazda lineup. The headlight clusters are sleeker, while the smiling grille sports a new black horizontal trim. The front air intakes are larger and still feature integrated fog lights. Meanwhile, the side air vents now occupy the upper section of the front fenders instead of running along the wheel arches.
Elsewhere, the 2009 RX-8 boasts new, more aerodynamic mirrors, new taillights and a set of more aggressive alloy wheels. All in all, Mazda designers commendably enhanced the car's styling while building on the success of the first generation.
The interior is also slightly revised, with greater harmony between the various design elements and a superb short-diameter steering wheel. However, the piano-black trim on the center console is still there. Sure, it might look nice at first, but you have to keep a towel at hand because the slightest prints are all you will see. Build quality is good, though, both inside and out.
Liveability is unchanged. Small rear doors with hinges in the back allow access to the two rear seats. Every passenger enjoys limited room, while visibility is affected by the massive rear pillars. Front occupants benefit from Recaro sports seats which provide great support and effectively hold your body in check through twists and turns. The driving position is pretty upright, but it sure improves forward visibility. Finally, soundproofing is good; the rotary engine sounds sweet without being invasive.
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| The interior is slightly revised, with greater harmony between the various design elements. |