X
4th of July Sales Still GoingBest Mesh RoutersShould You Buy a TV on Prime Day?Dell's 'Black Friday in July'50% Off at SkillshareSave on TCL's Android Tablet
Photos: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3
With a unique and sporty design, the 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 will turn heads, but it doesn't quite live up to its looks, and Mazda left out some key tech elements.
Mazda added a trim level to the RX-8 for 2009, the R3, which brings in some sport and cabin tech elements.
The R3 trim brings in Bilstein shocks and Mazda fills the front cross-strut with urethane, both measures improving the handling and softening some of the rough edges from the suspension.
The RX-8 R3 still relies on the 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine, which means it suffers from low torque and poor gas mileage.
This stabilizer bar, running between the tops of the two front shock absorbers, comes standard and contributes to the RX-8's excellent handling.
The RX-8 is one of the most interesting looking sports cars available. The wing on the trunk lid is part of the R3 trim.
19-inch wheels come standard with the R3 trim.
The high-point of the RX-8 is its handling. During hard cornering we could feel it pivot nicely, with the back end coming out in a very controlled manner.
Although there is room for four people in the cabin, the trunk space is limited, and can only really fit luggage for two.
The RX-8 offers easy access to the reasonably-sized back seats with its rear half doors.
Recaro seats come standard with the R3 trim. They have prominent side bolsters to keep you in place, but they have no power adjustment.
Navigation is unavailable with the R3 trim, although it comes standard with the Japanese equivalent trim.
Steering is very responsive in the RX-8 R3. We also like how Mazda integrates the steering wheel controls on the horizontal spokes.
We noted a lot of wasted space on the instrument cluster. The speedometer is strictly digital, while the tachometer is prominent in the center.
For the RX-8 R3, Mazda lowered the first gear ratio. Unfortunately, that doesn't solve the low torque problem.
Mazda's unique stereo controls become annoying when you just want to adjust the volume.
The R3 trim comes standard with a 300-watt Bose audio system, which includes Bose's Centerpoint surround processing.
Although the standard Bluetooth phone system is voice controlled, you do get feedback on the center display.
The audio system includes eight speakers, with a subwoofer and centerfill. The sound is good, although not the best we've ever heard.
More Galleries
2022's Best TV Shows You Can't Miss on Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus and More
![]()
More Galleries
2022's Best TV Shows You Can't Miss on Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus and More
95 Photos
Movies Coming in 2022 From Marvel, Netflix, DC and More
![]()
More Galleries
Movies Coming in 2022 From Marvel, Netflix, DC and More
81 Photos
The 40 Absolute Best Games on Nintendo Switch
![]()
More Galleries
The 40 Absolute Best Games on Nintendo Switch
41 Photos
The Dodge Hornet SUV Will Be a Rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale
![]()
More Galleries
The Dodge Hornet SUV Will Be a Rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale
8 Photos
'Stranger Things' Stars Then and Now: Wow, They've Really Grown Up
![]()
More Galleries
'Stranger Things' Stars Then and Now: Wow, They've Really Grown Up
40 Photos
2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe: Just Right
![]()