2003 MAZDA RX-8 1.3 Rotary 6MT (231 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Although designed in 2003, the Mazda’s RX-8 look still looker fresh many years after its launch.

What made the RX-8 so special was its high-revving 1.3-liter rotary engine that proved 231 hp. The powerplant was mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The RX-8 was not a regular coupe and neither a sedan. It had 4-doors and nicely hidden rear-hinged doors.

The exterior design of the RX-8 was not boring at all, with cool looking taillights and the overall unusual shape.

Inside the RX-8 was a clean cabin, with comfortable seats and a great leather-wrapped steering wheel that offered good grip.

The cluster gauges reflected the rotary engine, with red line starting from 9000 rpm. The speed-o-meter was digital.

Quality materials were used for the cabin, and practicality was not forgotten. Multiple storage spaces were offered, along with cupholders under the armrest and two 12V power outlets.

The gear shifter was one of the shortest ever manufactured and was very mechanical.

The center console went all the way to the back seats. Talking about the back seats, surprisingly, the RX-8 had usable rear seats for 2 and offered great legroom and headroom. A bit unusual, getting out from the back seats implied opening up the driver’s door.

The trunk space was decent, but was on the smaller side in comparison with other coupes at that time.