Comments on: Mazda RX-8 picks up more standard kit in Japan

By: Jake02

Jake02 — Sat, 30 May 2009 07:00:54 +0000

I’d like to correct a point by me, on the 2009 RX-8 sat-nav is available on the Luxury models for $2,800. Hmmmmmm stil abit underequipped though…

By: Jake02

Jake02 — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:48:05 +0000

From my point of view, the RX-8 couldn’t have any less equipment in Australia (actually, make that most Mazdas apart from new 3 and CX-9). Not only do we not get sat-nav on any of them (bar CX-9, new 3 and high-end 6’s as an option), but nothing nice or extra-ordinary (for a ute) on the BT-50, the CX-7 doesn’t even get dual-zone air-con (for an almost $50k car…as well as sat-nav), the 2 offers the same stuff from base to top spec (bar exterior mods), the MX-5 is too exxy for what it is and what it gets, and the RX-8 looks dowdy and that stupis smile on most of them is so off-putting (even more so than the Peugeot range).

There should be more diesel models (imagine a diesel 2, CX-7 and even a CX-9 with much better consumption yet more torque making it easier on hils) and other luxuries. Eg rain-sensing wipers, light-sensing headlamps, electronic folding mirrors (if every car in Japan has this feature then why not us?) and heated seats should at least be standard on mid-specs and up.

And a better model range is needed, like the Mazda5 introduced, a Mazda2 sedan (I think its coming) and maybe a V6-powered Mazda6, like in the US???!!! Its not all negative, but just what I think Mazda should do to offer a better range of cars.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:39:40 +0000

I must say that I don’t actually like too many things as standard. Strange I know, but I would rather pay more than I should for extras on a BMW rather than get things that I really don’t want. For instance, the thing where the car can sense that the key is near and then you can open the door and turn it on. I don’t want that. It’s a stupid idea. I am capable of pressing the button on the key and as somebody who suffers from OCD, it would literally drive me insane wandering if it was locked or not. Glad to say I own no cars with keyless entry.
I don’t understand rain sensing wipers wither. I can see that it’s raining, I can flip the (often very conveniently placed) switch to turn them on myself.
I just wish you could have a bit more choice rather than get everything.

By: riceboy

riceboy — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:37:06 +0000

wow, i’d be so impressed as a prospective new buyer when i discover there’s an open storage unit where the audio head unit should be.

By: Luke

Luke — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:19:08 +0000

RX-8s can look good but the one in the picture looks seriously outdated. Maybe its the silver paint.

Why doesn’t Mazda get serious and give us the RX-7 back? A modern day RX-7 would be sure to sell better than the RX-8. This car always dumb-founded me as an RX-7 replacement.

By: nobody

nobody — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:37:13 +0000

We aussies always get hard done by when it comes to price especially(!), standard equipment and so forth.

By: Driving Driver

Driving Driver — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:29:45 +0000

These with a properly installed,aftermarket turbo kit are magic.

By: Toxic_Horse

Toxic_Horse — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:04:23 +0000

Now all they need is a extra 40 Kw

By: Damian

Damian — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:46:52 +0000

“The 370z is alot more expensive…”

Which still doesn’t negate the fact that the 370Z, like its predecessor, is still the natural competitor to the RX8. Naturally, when one is in the market for an RX8, he would inevitably compare it to the 370Z.

By: Realcars

Realcars — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:44:23 +0000

RX8 doesn’t make since as IMO is neither one thing nor the other.Looks about as sporty as your average family sedan with mags.Dump the rotary engine. Your flogging a dead horse.LOL.

By: MatthewM

MatthewM — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:35:50 +0000

Forget all these other gimmicks, where’s the twin-turbo renesis version?

By: Mitch

Mitch — Mon, 25 May 2009 04:46:33 +0000

The 370z is alot more expensive

rx8 – 51,440
370z – 67,990

a difference of over 16k

By: Damian

Damian — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:54:40 +0000

With the release of the 370Z, Mazda’s equipment updates are inadequate at best. Mazda needs to be less head-strong and release the RX8 SP.

By: Gambler88

Gambler88 — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:49:40 +0000

i hope for new rx-8 buyers sake they’ll get these new updates. we alway seem to pay more and have less equipment than overseas model. for example our gt version released last year compared to american gt/r3 model were dearer and have less equipment (bose audio). this was when the australian dollar was at about $US0.85-$US0.90