Production of the UK-market Mazda RX-8, which has been on sale for seven years, has now ended. In that time over 26,000 cars have been sold in the UK, out of a worldwide figure of 186,632 - approximately 14% of total sales.
The current generation of rotary engines do not meet the new Euro V emissions regulations and consequently the model cannot be sold here in 2011.
The remaining examples of the RX-8, of which approximately 100 are still for sale, are the highly-specified R3 model - a six-speed coupe that, with four doors and four seats, retains a lot of practicality.
The R3 is powered by a 228bhp rotary petrol engine and, compared to the previous models, benefits from faster steering, improved chassis and engine response, more equipment and higher levels of interior refinement - while doing 0-60 in 6.4 seconds.
Each car comes fitted with Recaro front sports seats, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control. The car also includes climate control, premium sound system, CD multi-changer, nine speakers and an auxiliary jack for connecting an MP3 player.
Until the end of September Mazda dealers are offering a finance package, for RX-8 buyers, that requires no deposit and offers a typical APR of 5.9%.
No immediate replacement exists for the RX-8, although Mazda is currently working on a Euro V compliant rotary engine.
The remaining RX-8s are on sale now for £25,540 from Mazda dealers.
Parker's Top Tip
As with all run-out models, do shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal. If a model is coming to the end of its production life dealers may be looking to sell the cars quickly, offering good discounts, in order to make way for new versions or other cars.