eart-stopping looks, a sensational new engine, versatile interior and prices starting at only £19,995... the RX-8 has it all. One of the best-looking Japanese cars in recent years, it combines practicality with innovation and desirability in a way few models in this price bracket ever have.

Central to its appeal is the 'four-door' coupé bodywork and tiny - but powerful - rotary engine. Two versions of the high-revving 1.3-litre unit are available: the first offers 189bhp, the second 237bhp. Our test car featured the latter, teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Twist the key and the motor chatters eagerly into life, before settling to a fast idle. Capable of revving to nearly 9,000rpm, the engine has a unique character and proves very refined. The ride is firm, but not crashy, while the steering is precise and well weighted. And the short-throw box feels as slick as the MX-5's crisp unit. As our car was the only RX-8 in the UK at the time of our test, we didn't get to explore the limits of its handling. However, we have driven the model before, in Japan and America, and found the lightweight rear-wheel-drive machine very well balanced.

Body control is excellent, and the Mazda is rarely unsettled by rough surfaces. Through

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testing bends it will oversteer only if provoked very hard. Like a grown-up edition of the MX-5, it's clear that this Mazda has what it takes to capture hearts as well as minds.

But just in case there's any doubt left among potential customers, remember that the firm intends to ensure the Á Á car has limo-like spec levels. The stylish interior will have front, side and curtain airbags, as well as air-con and a high-quality sound system.

Understandably, there's already much demand for the RX-8, but dealers have not yet been accepting orders. All that changes from 1 February, however, with the launch of a new website - www.mazdaRX8.co.uk - on which customers can place a deposit.
Dan Strong