Mazda RX-8 first generation
The Mazda RX-8 first generation (2004–2012): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: SE3P
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,430 mm RDW | 4,430 mm TC | 4,425–4,470 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm RDW | 1,770 mm TC | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,340 mm RDW | 1,340 mm TC | 1,340 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm RDW | 2,700 mm TC | 2,703 mm |
| Front track | 1,500–1,505 mm ASTRA | 1,500 mm TC | – |
| Rear track | 1,500–1,510 mm ASTRA | 1,500 mm TC | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,290 kg RDW | 1,410 kg TC | 1,309–1,384 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,390 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,815–1,820 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,200 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 695 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Boot space | – | – | 290 L |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 227 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,520 L EPA | – |
| Fuel tank | – | – | 61 L |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 223–235 km/h RDW | – | 226–254 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | – | – | 3.0–7.2 s |
| Torque | 211 Nm ASTRA | – | 140–222 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 225/45R18, 225/50R17, 225/55R16
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia (en, ja, es, pl), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 73.3% (72.4–74.2) | 69.2% | 8,538 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 30.8% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 30.6% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 22.7% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 20.2% | 28.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 19.1% | 17.1% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 12.8% | 18.6% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
783 complaints for model years 2004–2011. 27 crashes · 15 fires · 20 injuries
- Transmission and drivetrain 199
- Engine 159
- Airbags 112
- Steering 110
- Fuel system 49
- Electrical system 37
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 15 versions of the Mazda RX-8 first generation
Show all 15 versions
European Union 4 versions
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | CO₂ | EU registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2011 | 2.6 L | – | Petrol | 295–299 g/km | 492 |
| 2011 | 1.3 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Petrol | 299 g/km | 26 |
| 2010 | – | – | Petrol | 279 g/km | 66 |
| 2010 | 1.3 L | – | Petrol | 292 g/km | 32 |
United Kingdom 5 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Power | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010231PS · 231ps | 2.6 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.5 L/100 km NEDC | 299 g/km |
| 2006–2009192 PS · 192PS | 2.6 L | 141 kW (192 PS) | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.6 L/100 km NEDC | 267 g/km |
| 2006–2009231 PS · 231PS | 2.6 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km NEDC | 284 g/km |
| 2004192 PS | 2.6 L | 141 kW (192 PS) | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.6 L/100 km NEDC | 267 g/km |
| 2004231 PS | 2.6 L | 170 kW (231 PS) | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km NEDC | 284 g/km |
United States 3 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2011PR | 1.3 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 2006–2011DC/FW · PR | 1.3 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 2004–2005 | 1.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
Canada 3 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2011Subcompact | 1.3 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 294 g/km |
| 2006–2011Subcompact | 1.3 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 12.5–12.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 288–297 g/km |
| 2004–2005Subcompact | 1.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.6–12.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 290–297 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.