Unconventionality at its finest
Zoom-Zoom: you've heard it, you've read it, and you may have shopped for or driven it too. It's a slogan with staying power that marketers strive for, but it's more than just a catch phrase. It's something that Mazda builds into every machine they make. It's a little bit of extra attention to lively handling, powerful brakes, peppy engines and driver interaction that's all designed to ignite ones thrill of the open road.
So where does this magical stuff come from?
It's called the RX-8, and it's the grand-daddy of the Zoom-Zoom DNA present in all the other Mazda machines.
RX-8 is a re-incarnation of the famous RX-7 which left production a decade ago after turning the performance motoring industry on its head. But it wasn't everybody's cup of tea. It was cramped, hard-core and expensive. Rising emissions concerns, fuel prices and insurance rates effectively
relegated it to a place in Mazda's history books. Interestingly, they have a last generation RX-7 parked inside their head office in Richmond Hill, just inside of the main doors.
Ideal as a sensible performance car, Mazda has taken the original RX-7 personality and added some unique touches. Much of its competition has no backseat, and those that do are so small that most people can't use them, unless they haven't got any legs. The RX-8 appeals to those with the occasional need for accessible backseat space, making use of freestyle doors which open to allow two rear passengers access. Once aboard, rear quarters are comfortable and roomy as long as the larger occupants remain up front. Rear passengers each get their own cupholder, window and some storage.
Most common word used to describe the backseats by my passengers? "Cozy".
A coupe with a rear seat in this market is a clever idea indeed, but don't let the extra set of doors fool you. Getting in and out is a bit of a challenge. My 200 pound frame stands about five-foot-ten tall and I
required some experimentation before finding the best way to get into the gorgeous suede and leather sport-seats. The best method I devised still had my shoes scuffing the speaker cover on the door, followed by a long reach back outside to pull it shut.
Sports car devotees like me have no misgivings about entering a small interior because it means they're low to the ground, with both passengers flanking the center of gravity residing near the middle of the cabin. It's prelude something exciting, so it's all part of the charm.
Once you're inside though, the look is more modern compact sedan than edgy performance machine. The interior is beautiful, has color-coordinated accents, is well made and basically comfortable. But its not purposeful looking, dark and menacing like a sports car tends to be. Inside, it almost looks too sensible.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
So where does this magical stuff come from?
It's called the RX-8, and it's the grand-daddy of the Zoom-Zoom DNA present in all the other Mazda machines.
RX-8 is a re-incarnation of the famous RX-7 which left production a decade ago after turning the performance motoring industry on its head. But it wasn't everybody's cup of tea. It was cramped, hard-core and expensive. Rising emissions concerns, fuel prices and insurance rates effectively
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Ideal as a sensible performance car, Mazda has taken the original RX-7 personality and added some unique touches. Much of its competition has no backseat, and those that do are so small that most people can't use them, unless they haven't got any legs. The RX-8 appeals to those with the occasional need for accessible backseat space, making use of freestyle doors which open to allow two rear passengers access. Once aboard, rear quarters are comfortable and roomy as long as the larger occupants remain up front. Rear passengers each get their own cupholder, window and some storage.
Most common word used to describe the backseats by my passengers? "Cozy".
A coupe with a rear seat in this market is a clever idea indeed, but don't let the extra set of doors fool you. Getting in and out is a bit of a challenge. My 200 pound frame stands about five-foot-ten tall and I
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Sports car devotees like me have no misgivings about entering a small interior because it means they're low to the ground, with both passengers flanking the center of gravity residing near the middle of the cabin. It's prelude something exciting, so it's all part of the charm.
Once you're inside though, the look is more modern compact sedan than edgy performance machine. The interior is beautiful, has color-coordinated accents, is well made and basically comfortable. But its not purposeful looking, dark and menacing like a sports car tends to be. Inside, it almost looks too sensible.