On that note there aren't many things that I don't like about the RX-8. Visibility is pretty good, but since the rear window is not very deep and the rear seats are tall it made parallel parking and reversing into stalls a bit of a challenge. Furthermore, I can't say that the RX-8 is particularly fuel
efficient, with managing only 12.8 L/100 km in the city and 9.2L/100km on the highway. Indeed the rotary engine needs just that more juice running through its fuel injectors, but at only 1.3 litres I never would have thought that it could be that bad. I drove about 350 km on a single tank and paid over $50 to fill up (with gas prices being around $1 per litre). Not that this should be shocking, but in a way it was. I suppose people don't buy this sports coupe for its fuel efficiency.
In total, only 2,150 units of the Shinka will be sold - some may still be left. The RX-8, however, is here to stay, but unfortunately not necessarily with that gorgeous "purple" hue. No matter the colour, Mazda's practical sports car offers that little extra something that even makes driving to work eventful, and that, to me, is critical for transforming a short-term love affair into a long-term romance - back seat make-out-ability notwithstanding.
Specifications (6-speed manual):
Price Range (MSRP): $40,995
Body Type: 4-door sports coupe
Layout: front engine, RWD
Engine: 238 hp, 159 lb-ft of torque, 2-rotor rotary
Transmission: 6-spd manual
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Cargo Capacity: 290 litres (10.2 cu. ft.)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.8 / 9.2 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
Direct Competitors: none
Web Site: www.mazda.ca
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| No matter the colour, Mazda's practical sports car offers that little extra something that even makes driving to work eventful. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
In total, only 2,150 units of the Shinka will be sold - some may still be left. The RX-8, however, is here to stay, but unfortunately not necessarily with that gorgeous "purple" hue. No matter the colour, Mazda's practical sports car offers that little extra something that even makes driving to work eventful, and that, to me, is critical for transforming a short-term love affair into a long-term romance - back seat make-out-ability notwithstanding.
Specifications (6-speed manual):
Price Range (MSRP): $40,995
Body Type: 4-door sports coupe
Layout: front engine, RWD
Engine: 238 hp, 159 lb-ft of torque, 2-rotor rotary
Transmission: 6-spd manual
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Cargo Capacity: 290 litres (10.2 cu. ft.)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.8 / 9.2 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
Direct Competitors: none
Web Site: www.mazda.ca
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