Car of the Year 2004 - Coupe

Winner
Mazda RX-8 (228bhp)
£22,000

It was going to take something a bit special to oust the Audi TT as our favourite coupe, but the Mazda RX-8 is just that.

Jaw-dropping styling is allied to a layout unique to this class, with smaller doors behind the front two. These are hinged from the rear and combine with the absence of a central pillar to provide easy access to the rear seat. There’s room for two adults in the back, and the boot is usefully large.

The RX-8’s cabin is as individual as its exterior, with deeply cowled instruments and a stylish centre console. Build quality is excellent, while the materials used are modern and classy.

At the RX-8’s heart is another unique feature – a rotary engine with 228bhp on tap. At low revs it’s docile and undemanding, but stamp on the throttle and the engine howls into life, revving freely and delivering a hard-edged soundtrack that’s utterly addictive.

Performance is blistering, while the six-speed manual gearbox’s slick shift adds to the fun. There’s pin-sharp handling to go with the pace. On twisty roads the Mazda has an agility few can match, while the steering reacts instantly to inputs and is full of feel.

Road and wind noise is kept to respectable levels on the motorway or around town, and the ride is firm without being uncomfortable.

Average fuel consumption of 24.8mpg and a maximum 35% grouping for company car tax mean it’s not cheap to run, but the RX-8 is fantastic value for money. At £22,000 it beats most rivals, and buyers get climate control, six airbags, stability control and a CD changer.

Highly recommended
Audi TT Coupé Quattro 1.8T (225)
£27,505
Nissan 350Z
£24,000
Toyota Celica 1.8 VVT-i
£16,500