Mazda - RX-8

Mazda continued developing the rotary engine (which does away with traditional pistons) long after European manufacturers lost faith. The RX-8 is vindication of the company's perseverance. The fast-spinning, ultra-smooth 2.7-litre motor is hardly economical, and there have been some early reports of high oil consumption, but when a car is this great to drive, who cares? The low-torque, high-revving output isn't to everyone's taste, but it's less raw and far more tractable than the RX-7 it replaces. RX-8 cruises quietly when wanted and is perfectly serene on long motorway journeys.
Equally unique is RX-8's four-door sports coupe body. There are two conventional front doors, plus two smaller, rear-hinged doors which open out in clamshell fashion, giving superb access to the rear seats which can accommodate two adults comfortably. Load space is good, too.
RX-8 a temptingly individual alternative to the all-too-common TT, flash 350Z or conservative CLK all of which are pricier.