Mazda RX-8 R3

The Mazda RX-8 has offered coupe buyers something unique since going on sale in 2003. It is alone in offering a rotary engine – a powerplant which punches well above its weight for such a small unit – and rear-opening 'suicide doors'.

And combined with four useable seats, its not surprising British buyers have taken the RX-8 to their hearts.

The R3 is the facelifted model of the original car, which sees the low power, 192bhp engine dropped and a freshened-up face.

Time hasn't dulled the impact the Mazda RX-8 makes. Its concept car looks and rear-opening doors are certain to make an impact wherever it does. The R3 version sees a re-designed, tarmac-hugging front bumper which features larger grilles and intakes and a pair of foglights help enhance the aggressive edge. The rear sees LED lights and a new rear bumper, while the sides receive new skirts and restyled 19-inch alloy wheels. The triangular theme – which echoes the shape of the rotors in the engine – is carried over, with them appearing on the bonnet and rear fog light.ime hasn't dulled the impact the Mazda RX-8 make