For a performance car, RX-8 is slower to build speed than rivals. Most power comes in above 4500 rpm. Manual transmission has short throws, but engagement is inconsistent among test cars-it's smooth in some, notchy on others. We have not had an opportunity to test with the '06 versions' 6-speed automatic, but previous 4-speeds were smooth, with rapid response for passing. Test manual-transmission RX-8s averaged 18.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.5 with more city use that included gas-eating performance tests. Premium-grade fuel is required. As expected, ride quality is firm on RX-8s with the sport suspension that's standard on manual-transmission versions and optional on automatics. No base suspension models or RX-8s with 16-inch tires have been made available for testing. Despite the sport suspension, these Mazdas deliver a more compliant ride than rival Nissan 350Z. Sharp steering, little body lean in turns, and progressive steering give RX-8 exciting handling. Large antilock 4-wheel disc brakes erase speed with reassuring pedal feel. RX-8 is quiet for a sports car. Wind, tire, and road noise is well muffled. The engine sounds refined during acceleration and is nearly silent while cruising. Also refined is RX-8's interior. Controls are easy to reach and operate with smooth precision. Interior materials create a satisfying ambience that belies the car's price. The tachometer dominates the instrument panel; it incorporates a digital speedometer. The front seats are reasonably comfortable, though RX-8's tall doorsills may have shorter drivers feeling that the interior is more cramped than it really is. The standard tilt steering wheel and seat height adjuster help, but some testers want a telescoping wheel for optimum comfort. Rear seat room and comfort is the best among true sports cars, but that's not high praise. Passenger entry/exit is a stoop-and-twist exercise, and once seated, head room is barely adequate for adults. Leg space all but disappears with the front seats more than halfway back. The trunk has good usable space, as long as you don't order an RX-8 with the compact spare tire option. The spare steals a good chunk of what space there is. Without the spare, Mazda includes an emergency inflation kit. A narrow opening makes loading all but small items a chore. Interior storage is adequate.

Value for the Money
The rewardingly agile, solidly built RX-8 has less straightline performance than other similarly priced sports cars. However, it does offer the convenience of four seats and rear doors, making it more practical for everyday use than most competitors. It even qualifies as a rear-wheel-drive alternative to front-wheel-drive sporty coupes such as the Acura RSX and Mini Cooper.