2008 Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 is one of the most unusual sports cars ever built and really has no direct competition.

For one thing, it's the world's only auto with a rotary engine. For another, its two rear access doors make it the only four-door sports car.

Mazda should be given credit for sticking with its small-but-potent rotary engine, which it's offered here since 1970 and produces power with several spinning rotors instead of pistons. The small, compact rotary is a giant killer that allowed Mazda to win the brutal 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans, France, several years ago against the world's best piston-engine competition.

The RX-8's two rear-hinged small back doors don't open independently of the front ones, but that's not much of a bother. However, the rear area's two nicely contoured seats are mostly for children because there's little leg room for adults. Space up front in the two supportive seats is OK, but there's little room to spare.

While the 1.3-liter engine is tiny compared to piston engines, which are considered small with even a 1.6- or 1.8-liter displacement, it's rated at 232 horsepower with a manual six-speed transmission and at 212 with a six-speed automatic, which allows manual shifting with the floor shifter or steering-wheel paddles.

I tested the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 with the manual gearbox, which shifts crisply and works with a light but long-throw clutch. It's awkward to shift the manual when the console cupholders are being used -- a penalty forced by the small cockpit. Also, while the steering column tilts, it doesn't telescope, and that omission can make things less comfortable.

The RX-8 comes in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and new 40th Anniversary trim levels. List prices range from $26,435 for the entry coupe with a manual transmission to $32,070 for the anniversary model with an automatic transmission. That model celebrates the rotary engine's 40th anniversary.

Even the entry model has air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, rear defogger and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The Touring adds a power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio with an in/dash 6-disc CD changer and anti-skid system.

Safety items for all models include front- and curtain-side air bags and anti-lock brakes.

Rotary engines never have been frugal with fuel, and the 2008 RX-8 is no exception. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg in the city and 23 on highways with the automatic transmission and 16 and 22 with the manual gearbox. Premium gasoline is required.

On the other hand, the silky smooth rotary engine provides stirring acceleration (0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds), although one must shift a lot to get the best performance with the manual. For instance, a downshift from sixth to fourth gear is needed for quick 65-75 mph passing. And you must hold the car in gear as the revs climb a lot for rapid acceleration because there's no surplus of low- to mid-range power with average engine revs.

However, driving a high-rev sports car is a blast as long as you don't get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

I tested the anniversary model, which has special Metropolitan Gray paint, Cosmo Red leather interior, unique 18-inch alloy wheel, suspension upgrades and front fender badging that says "40th Anniversary, Rotary Power." Only the anniversary and Grand Touring models have leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver's seat and keyless starting (as long as you have a key fob inside the car).

One might expect brighter exterior paint for the anniversary model, but it does a nice job of bringing out the RX-8's muscular lines.

This Mazda isn't very large but has a very supple ride partly because of its long wheelbase (distance between axles), with wheels pulled to the far corners of the car. A nicely engineered all-independent suspension also helps. Even the anniversary model's firmer suspension hardly affects the ride.

The firm power steering is as quick and accurate as one might expect sports car steering to be and allows easy cruising, without the need for constant small steering corrections to keep the car in its lane. The brake pedal initially felt a bit soft, but I soon got used to it, and it has a nice linear action. Sharp handling makes the light, nearly perfectly balanced car a joy to drive on twisting roads -- and it can avoid bent sheet metal during emergency maneuvers.

The quiet interior has good materials, and gauges can be easily read. Climate controls are large and, though small, sound system controls were fairly easy to use -- although some might object to the digital readout of climate and audio information atop the dashboard. At least the navigation system doesn't absorb, and thus complicate, audio controls.

Front door pockets don't hold much, and the covered console bin is set far back and is too shallow to be very useful.

The roomy trunk is long and deep, but its small opening can inhibit cargo loading. The lined lid has strut-type hinges that don't take up space in the cargo area.

The rotary engine is concealed by a big plastic cover and the hood is held open by a prop rod instead of struts. Fluid filler areas can be easily reached if you, say, need to add engine oil.

The RX-8 isn't for every sports car lover -- just for those who want something special.

2008 MAZDA RX-8

Prices: $26,435-$32,070

Likes: Athletic looks. Rear access doors. Potent rotary engine. Supple ride. Sharp handling.

Dislikes: Back seat mostly for kids. Engine needs lots of revs. Awkward manual shifting with filled cupholders.