NEW MAZDA RX-8 R3 DELIVERS EVEN MORE DRIVING FUN

Sports car fans will soon be able to buy the new version of the Mazda RX-8 at Rivervale Mazda in Brighton. The latest rotary-engined, four‑seater, four-door coupe will go sale at the Victoria Road showroom from September priced at £24,995 (on‑the‑road). Powered by the unique 231ps twin-rotor engine, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 will offer drivers a heightened experience with faster steering, chassis and engine responses, more refinement, more equipment and even greater value.

"The Mazda RX-8 is already a design classic. There really isn't anything else like it on the market," enthuses Malcolm Hance dealer principal at Rivervale Mazda. "Mazda has been perfecting the rotary engine for 40 years, and the RX-8's RENESIS twin‑rotor power unit's mix of high-revving smoothness, reliability and performance is very special. At under £25,000, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 is still incredibly good value for a 146mph sportscar with the ability to reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds."

The Mazda RX-8 has always had the appearance of a classic sportscar with a powerful‑looking and dynamic exterior design. This has now been enhanced by the standard‑fit Sports Styling Pack, which comprises a sport front bumper, side skirts and rear wing all finished in body colour. The new model's front wings no longer feature the air‑extractor vents behind the wheel arches and accommodate the turn-repeater lights instead. In addition, it also has a larger five-point grille, new front headlamps, new front fender designs, new twin round LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust pipes.

The more aggressive appearance is complemented by the all-new larger diameter 19-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile tyres. These extra-light wheels have five 'rotor‑shaped' spokes and are finished in dark titanium.

The new Mazda RX-8 R3 will be available in four new body colours – Aurora Blue Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent, Diamond Grey Metallic and Sparkling Black Mica – and two carry-over colours, Sunlight Silver Metallic and Velocity Red Mica. Whatever colour customers choose, there is no additional charge.

"The changes made for Mazda RX-8 R3 have not detracted in any way from the unique selling points that made the Mazda RX-8 such a stunning car at its 2003 launch," explains Malcolm Hance. "Mazda RX-8 is still the world's only rotary-engined production car and, that very rare creation, a genuine four-seater coupe. The freestyle doors ensure good access and the car has the typical Mazda functionality, practicality and reliability that also make it a 'use-me-every-day' kind of car."

"With the new-look Sports Styling Pack for the Mazda RX-8 R3, Mazda is taking a step back towards its sportscar heritage, giving its coupe the appearance of a Japanese racing car," added Mark Cameron, Mazda UK marketing director. "The model delivers an even more focused and sporty driving experience, while retaining the original model's many uniquely attractive technical innovations and adding numerous premium features. The new Mazda RX-8, together with the Mazda MX-5, is sure to maintain Mazda's position as 'Britain's favourite sportscar brand'."

To find out more about the new Mazda RX-8 or to arrange a test-drive, please call Rivervale Mazda on 01273 707007 or visit the showroom at Victoria Road, Brighton.