Currently the only rotary engine car available in the UK the Mazda RX-8 looks great, is brilliant to drive and for a coupé reasonably practical.
There’s just one version of the RX-8 available so potential lease buyers have an easy decision to make. The 228 bhp will more than convince some with its blistering pace.
As well as having a different type of engine the RX-8 is different in other ways to a normal coupé. For instance it also has four doors, with the rear pair cunningly hidden and hinged at the back.
With a decent boot as well a Mazda RX-8 car lease is a very practical proposition for a coupé. A family car it is not though, it may have four doors but the seats in the back would be very cramped over anything more than a visit to the shops.
The advantages a rotary engine has are that it produces more bhp relative to its size than a normal cylinder engine. An obvious advantage in a sports car, but the down side of this type of engine is fuel economy. If tempted to use all the horse power on offer be prepared for regular stops to fill up with fuel.
For many the novelty value of a rotary engine will be a big draw. Certainly there aren’t many on the road. For others the potential extra maintenance of the engine and extra fuel bills will be enough to make them stick with a more conventional coupé.
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The Mazda MX5 is probably Britain’s favourite sports car.
The natural successor to the sporty MG and Triumph Spitfires of the 60s and 70s, the little Mazda really caught the imagination of the buying public when it was launched back in 1990.
Well, approaching its 21st birthday and three face lifts later it has become a true motoring icon and a Mazda MX5 car lease is still a very desirable thing to have.
Although the current shape is clearly an evolution of the original it has kept the simple lines and non-fussy appearance that owners seem to love.
The interior of the MX-5 is in keeping with its sporty exterior, lots of black and aluminium laid out in easy to use dashboard reminds the driver more of a cockpit than a car driving seat.
Keeping true to its roots there is still no power assisted roof but it is simplicity itself to operate. Simply release a catch and push it back to click into the down position. No fiddly toggles or buttons to undo. And the reverse is equally easy.
Thanks to the simple roof arrangement the boot is not compromised giving 150 litres of space.
But practicality is not what leasing owners will be worried about, it is how it performs. Here the little Mazda really holds its own, the cars steering is uncompromised and the gear change tight and light, an ideal combination for haring around B-roads.
It’s not particularly fast but you don’t really need too much point to point speed with handling as crisp as this.
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The small family hatchback market is perhaps the most competitive new car sector of the lot.
Anyone who wants to threaten the dominant Volkswagen Golf in this category needs to be offering something special or out the ordinary. Well, the Mazda 3 has a bit of both.
A Mazda 3 car lease makes sense on a number of levels in comparison to the class leader. It’s better value, offers more for the money and more importantly for lot of people, it stands out from the crowd in a sector that is dominated by bland shapeless five door models.
Yes the Mazda 3 is a five door but one with a certain amount of style.
It’s super stylish, reliable and good to drive with high levels of equipment and great handling all in a practical package. What’s not to like?
All in all there are 17 Mazda 3 versions available with engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.3 litre petrol with a 2.0 litre petrol unit filling the gap and 1.6 litre diesel.
The Mazda 3 1.6D TS2 five door is the pick of the range for anyone considering leasing. It’s economical, punchy and although more costly over the life of the model this will be more than balanced out in fuel savings. The only one to avoid is the 1.6 petrol this is an old clunk of a unit lacking power and a poor relation to the other engines on offer.
Good value, fresh and funky, a great alternative in this crowded sector.
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If anyone is looking for a funky small hatchback that isn’t a Fiat 500 they should look no further than the Mazda 2.
This super mini from Japan’s smallest mainstream producer has a lot to offer for those thinking of leasing a car in this category.
Coming in 1.3 and 1.5 litre petrol and a 1.6 litre diesel engines in both three and five doors it is cost effective, well built and roomy.
It really comes into it own in town driving conditions with its light controls, compact size and tight turning circle it is a joy to park and manoeuvre through tight city streets.
It’s no town car only though, on the open road the ride is firm and body control is well balanced in the corners.
Both engines feel willing although obviously the larger petrol unit is punchier through the gears. As with most small cars noise at speed is noticeable but no more so than the Mazda 2’s rivals.
Although it is compact with a sporty character this model is practical as well making a Mazda 2 car lease well worth considering for those in the market for a super mini. On balance it could well be a cut above rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa, Honda Jazz AMD Renault Clio, the obvious contenders in this tight sector.
With a range of colours on offer it will certainly stand out from the crowd.
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