Mazda has been pretty well-known for building sporty cars. But for driving enthusiasts, it's the company's signature of building sport coupes with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from its competition.

Mazda took a bold step of bringing a rotary-engined coupe to the market and they got it spot-on. Not only is the Mazda RX-8 a sports car with a four-door configuration, it's one that has been created to delight.

It may be a sports car, but it's not one that screams boy racer with high mounted rear spoiler, bucket seats and a row of race meters measuring turbo boost and oil pressure and temperature.

Mazda has intelligently positioned the RX-8 towards the cool and the calm instead of the attention-seekers. And that is something that has won over not the votes, but the hearts.

Exterior

Styling wise, the overall look of the RX-8 is aggression through and through. It's one of those cars that look fast even when standing still.

With puffed up front fenders, edgy modern lines and abundant curves, the car garners plenty of command as it crouches low, ready to unleash the madness from within.

The sleek lad has always been a looker, bringing 'cool' to a whole new level with unapologetic lines and design elements that very few cars can pull off. From a distance, the RX-8 looks like a low-slung coupe with a long hoodline, lipped wheel wells and low-profile tires.

It has the visual appeal bordering on the boyish tuner side of the spectrum as the roofline arcs over the back and smoothly meets the rear decklid. And from the side, the RX-8 seems impossible for it to have useable backseats.

I was wrong.

The fact is the RX-8 features rear doors that allow for easier access to the surprisingly roomy backseats. This unique four-door design is proof that a true sports car does not need to sacrifice space or convenience for performance.

The advanced design of the rear-hinged rear doors provides a large door opening, allowing adult-sized passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle. Although these rear doors can only be opened if the front doors are open, I reckon the idea is awesomely wikkid.

Interior

Although its wheelbase of 2,700mm is not class-leading, Mazda's packaging genius has made the interior a lot more spacious than the specs suggest.

The RX-8 is a very easy car to enter and exit, with relatively good head and legroom in front. Cabin space is excellent for a sports car and it can comfortably haul four adults. Rear seat occupants have reasonable legroom, although they have to look out through small windows.

Trunk space, as you'd expect, is pretty minimal due to the spacious back benches. It is still, however, reasonable enough to lug a luggage and a couple of hand-carry bags, although practicality is limited by the lack of a folding rear seat.

The interior is suitably performance-oriented, with a digital speedometer and hugging seats. The piano black centre console is simple and uncluttered with tactile and stylish controls. More importantly, buttons and knobs are logically laid out with everything to hand.

Speaking of logical, one of the main interior features is the armrest console which stretches from the front all the way to the rear, acting as a divider for back passengers.

This console incorporates an effective method of stowage. The lid, which acts as an armrest slides rearward to reveal two cup holders behind the gearshift lever. In its rear-most position, the console box opens to reveal storage as well as cup holders for the rear passengers.

It is obvious that Mazda's design team has examined every aspect and component of the interior and has successfully created an elegant and driver-centric atmosphere.

The Drive

Although the Mazda RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanour on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel. The best way to appreciate the RX-8 is on winding roads. The chassis feels alive and ready to respond to the driver's every instruction.

But a compliant ride means that it won't beat you up on the daily commute. The 1.3-litre rotary engine delivers virtually vibration-free and subdued noise levels. For a sporty car, it is extremely well insulated.

I was a tad disappointed at the lack of acceleration power. Although generally quick on paper, acceleration is hardly impressive for a sports car. However I did find myself constantly wanting to drive it. Keeping your foot down on the right pedal around a winding road is pure driving pleasure.

Balancing the ride and handling of a sports car can be a tricky job but Mazda pulled it off well. The body control is impressive indeed. No matter what the surface or how tight the corner, the RX-8 just keeps on gripping.

Feeling firm and controlled, it attacks corners with relish, enabling you the confidence to push even harder.

The steering is well-weighted and offers excellent feedback. While the RX-8 can't touch any of its competitor's power levels, it blows them away in the handling department.

Conclusion

Everything is pretty much as you would expect from a rear wheel drive sports car. Body roll is minimal and levels of adhesion are high. This, along with sharp steering and a 1,403kg kerb weight make the RX-8 one of the best-handling cars in the market.

Although its competitors provide more oomph in terms of power, this sleek lad provides a drive enthusiastic enough to gain the driver's heart.

Now that's something money can't buy.

What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.