‘Best Coupé’ in The 2004 Top Gear Awards

[altezza]

19 March 2004

MAZDA WINS ‘BEST COUPÉ’ IN 2004 TOP GEAR AWARDS

Continuing Mazda’s long-list of recent accolades the Mazda RX-8 sports coupé, powered by the unique rotary engine, has won ‘Best Coupé’ in The 2004 Top Gear Awards presented to Mazda UK last week.

"It’s not often a car rewrites the rules, but the Mazda RX-8 has – at least in terms of practicality. Thanks to its radical rear doors, we finally have a coupé with proper back seats," wrote Top Gear magazine in its April issue, in newsagents now.

Top Gear magazine makes some interesting comparisons citing the Mazda RX-8 as every bit as revolutionary as the skateboard: "In sticking doggedly to its rotary engine formula, Mazda has created a car that manages to bring all the expected Japanese reliability, but also the charisma of being different from the rest," writes Top Gear.

Jeremy Thomson marketing director for Mazda UK added: "We are delighted to win this much sought-after accolade from Top Gear. Mazda RX-8 has now won 23 international motoring awards, which is testament to the popularity of the unique RENESIS rotary engine and clever use of interior space with the freestyle doors. This popularity is reflected in the demand for the Mazda RX-8 with orders continuing to outpace current supply."

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[RC45]

The media does this same song and dance every time a new mid-size car comes along - first it was Golf, then Civic then Camry etc...

Now its the RX8.

I have seen and driven the car - it is nice and no doubt a good choice, but in the final analysis - not THAT good.. but the press does what they are asked to.

Why do you thing the C5 Corvette won Car of the Year in it's category so many times - you didn't think because it IS the best did you?

I take all these "awards" for what they are - shit to sell magazines, cars and an "image".

YMMV..

[Tomerville]

I have seen and driven the car

Whats it like puttering around town? It must be a pain in the neck.

[Akmon]

I agree.
The RX-8 is cool,whatever they say.

[Kangaroo Boy]

I knew that the RX8 was going to be it.What came second?Vauxhall Vx220??

[Caplax40]

Originally Posted by SnowboarderTom I have seen and driven the car Whats it like puttering around town? It must be a pain in the neck.

It's not bad at all. Definitely no sporting performance (cue Tiff's voice) until you give it revs, revs, revs, but it is a nice about town car. But those suicide doors and back seating are still more on the 2+2 side. I'm 6'5" and can fit back there but wouldn't want to be back there for too long!

[ae86_16v]

What were the other cars?

[enfermin]

i don´t think the mazda is the best coupe...........but it is amazing what that new engine can do...............the economy of fuel ans materials makes it an example for the sportscars to come.
the dimensions and the weight of this engine its a very useful tool for designers.....
and the toxic emmisions are better........
mazda has to be proud of that.

[oldsnail]

mazda always stuns the world with bold styles.
the mx5 miata, is a great example, still has lots of respect for those mazdas.

[bmagni]

i like the rx-8 but the best cuope is undoubtly the m3