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• High quality materials
• Distinctive layout, well-placed controls
• Large, easy to read instruments

How’s the Mazda RX-8’s layout and quality?

The cockpit of the RX-8 is equally as stylish and modern as the outside. The piano black trimmed centre console houses easy to use controls for the stereo and ventilation system and there’s a circular theme that runs through the design. Deep-set cowled dials and white lit instruments add to the sporty feel while the high mounted gear lever is perfectly placed – there’s also a digital speedo set into the rev counter.

Quality is excellent, and the sophisticated materials give the Mazda an upmarket feel.

Mazda RX-8 technology

There are few options and few gadgets in the RX-8, the biggest distinction being sat-nav which features a flip-up screen in the centre of the dashboard. Early models have a six-CD changer and Bose audio which is very competitive for the age of car, you may find an optional cassette player or MiniDisc module. Later models got detail changes, such as adding MP3 capability, and there’s a rather clumsy iPod interface option.

For modern drivers the sat-nav housing can be handy for integrating an Android tablet, but stereo upgrades need to bear in mind the heater controls which are routed through the factory entertainment system. The Mazda RX-8 R3 got upgrades including optional double-DIN infotainment, and cruise control.

While some Japanese imports may have keyless entry or auto lights/wipers, as a rule the UK specification is simple.

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Mazda RX-8 comfort

• Supportive, simple seats
• Reasonable legroom for four
• Factory ride quality is good

There’s decent space for the driver and front passenger and the seats are comfortable yet supportive. The compliant ride means the RX-8 makes a surprisingly good cruiser, although the engine buzz can be a little intrusive at high revs and the PZ and R3 models have stiffer suspension which can fidget over bumps. Taller drivers may also want to avoid the optional sun roof (climate control is standard on all models anyway) as it limits headroom.

Those in the back will find it snug – although there’s more space than most coupes offer.

Basic 192 models have manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat, most have simple electric adjustment. When looking at a used RX-8, check for bolster wear on the driver’s seat, scratches on the plastic shells and rotary insert trims, and splitting panels on the seat cushion. Whole interiors can be cheap for colour changes or upgrades, but RX-8 front seats are popular with Land Rover and kit car builders. For collectors, the distinctive ribbed bolsters of the original fabric or leather seats will be a point worth preserving and hard to repair.