2009 Mazda RX-8 Features Review

November 5, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Impressive feature content
Edmunds

R3 model...comes standard with Bluetooth, Bose audio
Automobile Magazine

Exclusive to the Grand Touring model is leather upholstery
ConsumerGuide

Cheap thrills—that's what the 2009 Mazda RX-8 promises, and it delivers for the driving enthusiast who craves corners. Daily drivers aren't entirely forgotten, though, as evidenced by the features list on the Mazda RX-8.

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 offers a range of standard creature comforts across its four-trim lineup. While some automakers tend to skimp on their low-end models, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that even the Mazda RX-8 Sport offers more standard equipment than some competitors. Edmunds reports that the 2009 RX-8 Mazda Sport comes standard with "air-conditioning, cruise control...full power accessories and a six-speaker stereo with CD player." ConsumerGuide also notes that a "digital-media player connection" is included on the Mazda RX-8 Sport, while upgrading to the Touring model brings an "in-dash six-disc CD changer." For those interested in the 2009 RX-8 Mazda in Grand Touring trim, Edmunds says the standard features grow to include "automatic headlights, heated side mirrors...an eight-way power driver seat with memory," and "heated front seats." New for 2009 is the Mazda RX-8 R3, which offers standard "Bluetooth, Bose audio, and a keyless entry and starting system," according to Automobile Magazine.

Mazda is well aware that many 2009 Mazda RX-8 buyers want more than just the standard features, so the company has included an optional package and a few stand-alone upgrades for the Mazda RX-8. However, in order to keep prices down, the overall selection of options is quite limited. ConsumerGuide states that a Premium Package is available for both Mazda RX-8 Touring and Grand Touring vehicles that includes a "power sunroof, Bose sound system (Touring), [and] satellite radio." In terms of stand-alone features, Edmunds says the most noteworthy are "a new touchscreen navigation system with voice commands and a dedicated iPod connection."

Conclusion

The included and available features on the 2009 Mazda RX-8 are nice, but it would be great to see a longer options list.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Impressive feature contentEdmundsR3 model...comes standard with Bluetooth, Bose audioAutomobile MagazineExclusive to the Grand Touring model is leather upholsteryConsumerGuide Cheap thrills—that's what the 2009 Mazda RX-8 promises, and it delivers for the driving enthusiast who craves corners. Daily drivers aren't entirely forgotten, though, as evidenced by the features list on the Mazda RX-8. The 2009 Mazda RX-8 offers a range of standard creature comforts across its four-trim lineup. While some automakers tend to skimp on their low-end models, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that even the Mazda RX-8 Sport offers more standard equipment than some competitors. Edmunds reports that the 2009 RX-8 Mazda Sport comes standard with "air-conditioning, cruise control...full power accessories and a six-speaker stereo with CD player." ConsumerGuide also notes that a "digital-media player connection" is included on the Mazda RX-8 Sport, while upgrading to the Touring model brings an "in-dash six-disc CD changer." For those interested in the 2009 RX-8 Mazda in Grand Touring trim, Edmunds says the standard features grow to include "automatic headlights, heated side mirrors...an eight-way power driver seat with memory," and "heated front seats." New for 2009 is the Mazda RX-8 R3, which offers standard "Bluetooth, Bose audio, and a keyless entry and starting system," according to Automobile Magazine. Mazda is well aware that many 2009 Mazda RX-8 buyers want more than just the standard features, so the company has included an optional package and a few stand-alone upgrades for the Mazda RX-8. However, in order to keep prices down, the overall selection of options is quite limited. ConsumerGuide states that a Premium Package is available for both Mazda RX-8 Touring and Grand Touring vehicles that includes a "power sunroof, Bose sound system (Touring), [and] satellite radio." In terms of stand-alone features, Edmunds says the most noteworthy are "a new touchscreen navigation system with voice commands and a dedicated iPod connection." ConclusionThe included and available features on the 2009 Mazda RX-8 are nice, but it would be great to see a longer options list. 2009 MAZDA RX-8 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Not everybody thinks it's pretty" ConsumerGuide: "Freshened interior and exterior styling and a new R3 sport package" Cars.com: "Cabin that has small, rear-hinged back doors to make it easier to get into the backseat" After ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you're looking for alternatives to the RX-8, you won't find any other models that provide the same combination of responsiveness, backseat space, and an affordable price. The BMW M Coupe and Porsche Cayman are sportscars that provide very impressive performance, but neither of them quite has the sharp, connected go-kart-like handling of the RX-8; however, both the BMW and the Porsche have torquey, powerful six-cylinder engines that are easier to live with. The edgy Honda R2000 roadster has a feel on the road that's comparable in some ways to that of the Mazda RX-8, with crisp handling and a peaky, high-revving engine, but the RX-8 has a quiet enough cabin for occasional road trips—and a backseat for occasional extra passengers.

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See the Mazda RX-8 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Juan Pablo #1, Posted: 5/24/2009

    new car

    hi!
    how much the taxes matter a new car for Chile?
    tks

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