GOOD LOOKS, AND TALENTED TOO; RX-8 refuses to change its excessive ways, but we appreciate it still.(news)(mileage testing)(Column)

Byline: JOE KOVACH

Despite some complaints, our Mazda RX-8 remains a popular ride. Many staffers like it for its looks, but the long-termer's road talents are most admired. One editor chose the RX-8 to drive through Hell, Michigan, and back. He was determined to take a scenic, curvy route that added two hours each way to his assignment.

"I've done the same trip in our past Boxster S and 350Z long-term cars,'' he wrote in the logbook, "and this one is a good match for its predecessors. The car tracks perfectly through corners, some of which are 90 degrees and can be taken at double the advised speed with no tire squeal. The more you push, the more it feeds information through the chassis and seat. It is reassuring that the car sticks to the direction you've chosen.''

He noted the Mazda averaged 14 mpg on the trip, and that an Acura NSX V6 probably would have delivered better numbers. Our Z and Boxster got better fuel economy than the RX-8 on that route, too. But with the Mazda, you get two rear seats and two additional doors.

Through a recall, our car's electronic control unit was reprogrammed (or "reflashed,'' as our dealer and engine tuners call it) to remedy the fuel flooding that a number of RX-8 owners complained of, a problem that prevented them from starting their cars. While we did not experience flooding, RX-8 owners told us their cars' fuel economy is better since the update (believed to include a fuel/air ratio adjustment) was performed, and they think this is Mazda's quiet way of addressing the mileage complaints.

We drove 274 more miles this quarter than we did the first quarter, averaging 1.95 mpg better fuel economy, likely due to the reflash work. But we think the fuel mileage should be better still, as not everybody hammers on the gas pedal.

Yes, some staffers do high-rev the rotary engine to coax the torque we crave. For serious lb-ft of torque, you have to get near or on the 9000-rpm redline. One editor's comments are a good example of what most on staff experience in the RX-8: