What Car? Car of the Year 2005 - Coupe

Mazda RX–8 (228bhp)
List Price £22,100
Target Price £22,100

This makes it two years in a row for the Mazda RX-8 and, with few new coupés arriving this year to challenge it, this was one of our easier decisions.

The Mazda ticks all the important coupe boxes – and more. There’s the stop-and-stare styling, the 228bhp of punch and pin-sharp handling. There’s also something you might not expect from a coupe – real practicality.

The sleek looks disguise a second pair of doors, hinged from the rear to make access to the back seat easy. There’s room for two adults to get comfortable and a decent-sized boot too.

The Mazda uses a rotary engine, which works brilliantly. Power delivery is smooth at low revs, but it howls in the upper reaches. Performance matches the soundtrack – we managed to sprint to 60mph in 7.4sec on the track.

It does have a thirst for petrol, however, and emissions slot it into the top bracket for company car tax too.

These, however, are insignificant set against the Mazda’s many strengths, which include a comparatively low list price. The gauntlet has been thrown down for a second year – it will take quite a car to pick it up.

Broadband users click here to see our video review of the Mazda RX-8

Dial-up users click here to see our video review of the Mazda RX-8

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