REINVIGOR-EIGHTED

The RX-8 has been a huge hit for Mazda. In 'R3' guise, it's now been updated to keep it at the top of its game. Andy Enright reports

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Mazda engineers have stiffened the bodyshell in this latest car so that twisting and flexing are significantly reduced. At the same time, a revised steering and suspension set-up delivers a better level of steering feel than the rather anaesthetised set-up offered on the original model. Bilstein sports suspension should satisfy B-road blasters, while new damper, spring and suspension settings aim to make this a more comfortable long distance companion. Otherwise, it's as you were with a grippy chassis complemented by the snappy gearchange with its tiny palm-sized triangular shifter. The 0-62mph sprint is covered by the single 231PS model in a handy 6.4s and there's a 146mph top speed, so this is a serious performance car.

So what has Mazda done to the RX-8 in this mid life facelift? The front and rear bumpers and headlamps are revised and the rear lamps now feature twin circular LEDs. Bigger diameter exhaust pipes and a sharper five-spoke alloy wheel design now measuring 19 inches in diameter are also among the highlights. Drop inside and you'll spot the redesigned instrument panel, better front and rear seats and a beefier steering wheel. The colour of the instrument cluster has also been changed to reduce eye strain.

Some things haven't changed. You'll still feel like you're in a sports car from the moment you slip behind the wheel of the Mazda RX-8 with the snug seating and the high transmission tunnel that splits the cab into four pods. The super stubby gear lever feels great in the hand and the generous seat adjustment means it's easy for taller drivers to get comfortable. The rear accommodation can cope with two adults in the back without any fuss with simple access via the wide side door aperture. You get a decent boot as well, so family weekends away are easily within the car's remit.

We've established that Mazda's RX-8 is an unorthodox proposition but does it warrant selection ahead of capable and desirable rivals like Alfa Romeo's Brera, Nissan's 350Z or Audi's TT? If you value the versatility of those four seats, then most certainly, and the latest version stands up as a drivers' car in its own right. If it seems pricier in R3 guise, that's only because a single top-of-the-line version is now on offer. Mazda is actually keen to tell anyone who'll listen that if youd specified the most powerful version of the original RX-8 in this form, you'd actually have paid more. And that's despite the fitment of a dozen extra equipment features to this car not previously offered across the range. Apart from the sporty styling bits, bigger alloys and better Recaro seats, there are features like cruise control, auto xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a better 9-speaker BOSE premium audio system with 6-CD autochanger, plus a Bluetooth 'phone-capatible set-up.

Despite packing an engine of just 1.3-litres in capacity, the more powerful RX-8 can only manage 25mpg and hefty 299g/km emissions, figures that are no better than rival models boasting 3.0-litre V6 power. At least you can go longer between fill-ups now, thanks to a larger 65.4-litre petrol tank holding 3.6-litres more fuel. If you're put off by the prospect of having such an idiosyncratic piece of machinery under your bonnet, don't be. The Mazda rotary engine has been developed over many years and has proven itself to be reliable although it pays to get into the habit of checking the oil regularly, even though engine oil capacity has been increased to 7.0-litres.This is easier to do now thanks to the fact that the oil dipstick has been moved from the side of the engine to the top of the engine cover.

Considering the RX-8 lacks a prestige badge, residual values for the car are buoyant. The used market traditionally values practical vehicles highly and sports coupes don't come any more practical than this. Together with the low purchase price, this helps to make an RX-8 a sound investment. Expect to pay group 16 insurance. There are faster and better looking sports coupes than Mazda's RX-8 but as a practical and charismatic all-round package offering excellent value for money, it's difficult to beat. The rotary engine and unorthodox door layout might look gimmicky to the casual observer but on trying the car, you quickly appreciate that they really do work and the rest of the RX-8 isn't bad either. Impressive build quality, an involving driving experience and surprising levels of comfort all go to make the RX-8 R3 a winner.

It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. There remains a question mark over the engine's economy and the rear seat occupants don't get much of a view out. The latest changes will also go unnoticed by many. Still, it's worth looking at the big picture. How many cars can offer four full-size seats, a substantial boot, serious performance and sports car handling for around £25,000? Your search for an answer can only lead you to your local Mazda dealer.