Mazda RX-8 test drive since 2008

Black and white cinema, or comparison of the Mazda RX-8 and Renault Laguna Coupe coupe

Renault returns to the segment of chic coupes with a two -door Laguna. In the first comparative test with the participation of Mazda RX-8, the Frenchman should show what it is capable of. The characters of competitors are completely different.
After long twenty years, Renault returned to the middle class coupe segment. Since the termination of the production of Renault Fuego (translated from Spanish means fire) in 1987, the flame of the family of the coupe, supported by the release of the two -door Megane model, was drunk until it has gone out at all. Today, the compartment is in fashion again, the market even has an increase in the number of models of this class, and, of course, each well -known manufacturer wants to master this niche. So the French were no exception.
So, we are in front of us Laguna of low stature, with an arched roof. A very large radiator grille gives its image dynamism. And the narrow LED rear lights and the unusual shape of the trunk door evoke memories of the much more expensive models from the Aston Martin sportsman.
Being not like everyone else, the Mazda RX-8 motto sounds. The Japanese turned out to be special not only because he has a rotor-piston engine of Wankel under his hood, but also due to four doors. Moreover, narrow rear doors open in the opposite direction. Although the candidates are completely different, they are both able to charm: on the one hand, the inimitable Mazda RX-8, on the other, is a comfortable and at the same time gorgeous compartment Renault Laguna. For the first comparative test, we took versions with the most powerful gasoline engines. The 3.5-liter V6 engine installed in Renault was created by the Nissan partner and produces 238 horsepower for Laguna. The Wankel engine in Mazda has a power of 231 hp. So, let's begin.
Body and equipment
Of course, the smooth lines of the low roofs of each compartment very limit the space of the cabin, compared with ordinary sedans, but the crowding is not peculiar to any of the candidates, at least in the front seats. Laguna, of course, is a little more spacious and gives the driver and passenger more freedom of movement, but due to high seats the roof is much closer to the heads.
It is much more comfortable to sit in Mazda there are deeper seats. In this car, the salon is more high, but in the rear separate seats there are more places. Since the RX-8 does not have medium-sized body racks and the rear doors open in the opposite direction, landing and landing are carried out without much difficulty. But still, there are few spaces in the back of the cabin of both cars, which, in general, is typical of the compartment, so the rear seats will be needed for young children at best, or for short trips.
If we talk about the transportation of baggage, then Renault is more practical with its 423-liter luggage compartment (Mazda has a compartment of 290 liters). In addition, the backs of the rear seats fold in a Frenchman with one movement of the hand. The Japanese in response can offer a greater weight of maximum loading. But both rivals have a high trunk threshold, which your back will not be very happy about. The optics of cars at a fairly high level, both from the conveyor are equipped with xenon headlights. Renault can boast of bixenon, rotary light, which is ordered optionally, as well as alarm signals, including automatically during sharp braking. The only reproach: the stock Laguna does not have fog headlights. In terms of quality, Mazda is impeccable. The Frenchman captivates materials pleasant to the touch and, in general, also demonstrates high quality.
Comfort on the road
Due to hard-minded pendants, both opponents are far from the most comfortable cars in terms of smoothness. However, they are not distinguished by extreme stiffness and even suitable for long trips, during which passengers will not be too tired.
In our test, a special model RX-8 participated, which was produced by a limited series of 350 copies on the occasion of the 40-year anniversary. The equipment of this model includes Bilstein sports suspension with slightly changed shock absorber settings. On long waves of the RX-8 road surface, it behaves quite tolerably, but on small irregularities, such as joints or potholes, it shows its true rigidity. Renault with softer settings rides even along a very rocky primer much smoother. But it is more convenient to sit in Mazda.
The front anatomical seats delight with good side support, and the middle console, which in the RX-8 passes through the entire salon, helps passengers in the rear seats to keep in chairs on steep turns. The fact that Renault is still ahead when calculating the points for comfort is due to the following: its front seats are very spacious, they support the body well, and this car has excellent sound insulation. Even at high speed, the Frenchman retains pleasant silence in the cabin.
Engine and transmission
It seems that there is simply no more difference: while Laguna Coupe is driven using a 3.5-liter V6 engine, Mazda, when creating the RX-8, traditionally entrusted this mission to the Vankel engine. By the way, only the Japanese use this motor on serial production models. The sound of a rotary piston engine is impressive.
At first he whispers softly, practically without creating vibrations, and with an increase in revolutions, this sound passes into unobtrusive hoarse howls. In addition, the 231-horsepower engine willingly wind up the momentum. And this is for the better, because the maximum torque of 211 nm is achieved only at 5,500 revolutions. Then the RX-8 is rapidly gaining 9,000 revolutions. Managing a 6-speed gearbox is a pleasure. So, up to a hundred Mazda accelerates in 6.8 seconds, which is almost one second faster than Renault. But the Vankel engine and the lack that consists in the high fuel consumption following the test results, this indicator was 13.6 liters.
Laguna behaves more modest, on average it consumes 11.5 liters. Its 238-horsepower V6 engine, demonstrating its power already at the start, is produced only in combination with a 6-speed automatic. The gear shift occurs smoothly. In addition, the characteristics of the automaton were changed by his reaction became faster. But if you switch the gears without a break one after another, then electronic control needs a little time for thought.
Dynamics
If Renault claims to join the GT class, then the steering of all 4Control wheels on board is already available and is included in serial equipment. At low speed, the rear axle rotates several degrees in the opposite direction from the turn of the front axle to reduce the turning radius. Starting from 60 km/h, the rear wheels are located parallel to the wheels of the front axle. Due to this, even the minor turns of the steering wheel Renault obediently responds, accurately following the instructions. The ESP system comes into effect quite late, so that the car becomes maneuverable. So Laguna can bypass a very agile Mazda on a snake.
But on the racing track, on the contrary, a much easier RX-8 finishes the first. This is due, on the one hand, the possibility of a complete disconnection of the DSC (ESP) system, on the other hand, the automatic Frenchman, which when switching down is often required for too much time to choose the desired transmission. If Mazda disconnect its electronic guardian angel, then the car begins to significantly roll. But her management pleases with its accuracy, and thanks to the excellent brakes, the RX-8 manages to win in this discipline.
Prices
Since Mazda’s two-rot motor engine has a very small operating volume, the RX-8 tax is accrued in accordance with the permissible total weight of the car. Nevertheless, according to the results of the year, Mazda is more economical to its tax is 113 euros, and the Renault tax is 123 euros.
In addition, the advantage of the Japanese is its lower basic value (36,600 euros) and more favorable insurance tariffs. True, the high fuel consumption and a slightly more expensive painting of the body in color with a metal tint for the basic configuration slightly overshadow such a rainbow impression of the positive balance of costs of the Mazda RX-8. However, in the end, Mazda still prevails over the Frenchman. With the exception of lower fuel costs, Laguna Coupe is not able to bring any arguments to its favor. As for the loss of value, the cost of repair and warranty, here the French coupe and RX-8 are not inferior to each other.
Output
Two coupes with different characters: in the end, Renault Laguna Coupe deservedly wins. This car is more practical, surprisingly comfortable, and at the same time it is by no means boring to go on it. Even more sports genes are laid in the Mazda RX-8. In addition, the Japanese attracts a good ratio of price and quality and less hit the budget, if you do not take into account the high fuel consumption.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Autozeitung.de