Refined rotary
If you were aiming to create a list of all-time influential engine and car series, you would have to include Mazda’s RX rotaries. And while the RX-7 is for some the pinnacle of the breed, the RX-8 deserves a nod as the ultimate expression.
WhichCar comments in a review of the updated 2008 series: “The Hiroshima-based carmaker has long been one of the world’s most underrated pioneers in automotive design and technology. Sure, it has never had the financial resources of giants such as Mercedes-Benz, GM or Toyota, but that hasn’t stopped it from developing and introducing a few clever innovations over the years. The RX-8 is a prime example.
“The original, which was introduced in 2003 and quickly gained numerous accolades including the Car of the Year from our sister magazine, Wheels, broke new ground for lightweight sportscars with its four-door, four-seater layout.”
This 2008 FE Series II claims a relatively low 60,000km. The powerplant is a 1308cc twin-rotor claiming 170kW, matched to a six-speed auto. It is offered with a roadworthy certificate.
Located south of Perth, it’s on the market for $22,000.