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.
