Mazda has been dangling the return of rotary-powered sports cars in front of us for the best part of a decade. It all started with the RX-Vision in 2015, an achingly pretty two-door coupe that, while a concept, didn’t appear to need much tweaking to get it production ready. Then, just last November, the company revealed another rotary sports car concept that seemed to preview the next generation of MX-5. There was a catch, however, as the twin-rotor combustion engine didn’t power the rear wheels, instead serving as a generator for a 370hp electric motor instead.
The wait for a proper rotary-only sports car continues, then, perhaps indefinitely at this rate. The good news is you can still grab the company’s most recent Wankel wonder (at least initially, but more on that later). First generation RX-8s can be had for less than £2,000, and even an ultra-low-mile, completely stock example such as this 2004 car will set you back a fiver shy of £12k. Yes, an RX-7 may be more desirable, but finding one that hasn’t been ruined by an unpainted body kit and a Channel Tunnel-sized exhaust poking out the back is tricky to say the least – and the ones that have been left alone command eye-watering premiums.
While the RX-8 wasn’t as sleek or sexy as its predecessor, it certainly wasn’t short on charm. The suicide-style rear doors are just as cool today as they were back in 2003, and the styling was crammed full of rotary motifs, such as the triangles below the grille, in the headrests and on the bonnet. Under said triangle-imprinted bonnet sat a dinky 1.3-litre twin-rotor engine developing a decent 231hp, albeit with a puny 156lb ft all the way up at 5,500rpm. The RX-8 has always been car that needs to be thrashed to get it into its sweet spot, which for many has been part of the appeal.
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Big changes came with the run-out R3 model you see here. Although power was unchanged at 231hp, the rest of the car was significantly overhauled with a stiffer body shell and uprated suspension including Bilstein dampers. Revised styling brought a sportier edge lacking on earlier cars, while the cabin gained a set of plush Recaro buckets and a Bose sound system. This all made the R3 by far the best RX-8 we got here in the UK, matching that rev-hungry Renesis engine with sharper steering and a more agile chassis.
‘That’s all well and good, but don’t they cost a fortune to run?‘ Ah yes, the elephant in the room. All RX-8s have a thirst for unleaded and 5w30 engine oil, and despite its teeny engine the RX-8 still kicks out a hefty 299g/km of CO2. The Renesis engine also has a bit of reputation for being, er, a touch delicate. Mazda claimed it had got on top of many of the early car’s issues come the R3’s launch, but a chunky history file is an absolute must for all RX-8 generations.
Luckily, that’s exactly what we have with this 2008 car. Over the last 16 years and 56,000 miles, this R3 has been treated to main dealer services its whole life and sports an impressively clean MoT history. Of course, you’ll need to see the car in person for a proper assessment of its condition, but its history file suggests that it’s been well cared for by its one-and-only previous owner. So while it’s worth budgeting a bit more than the £7,995 asking price (if only to keep the engine oil topped up), just think of all the Wankel fun you’ll be having for a fraction of the price of an FD RX-7.
SPECIFICATION | MAZDA RX-8 R3
Engine: 1,308cc twin-rotor rotary
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 231@8,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 156@5,500rpm
MPG: 24.9
CO2: 299g/km
Year registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 56,000
Price new: £24,995
Yours for: £7,995
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