The waiting is finally over... After four years of teasing us with concepts such as the RX-01 and the RX-Evolve, Mazda has let Auto Express behind the wheel of its sensational RX-8. As we turn the ignition key and hear the sewing machine whirr of its hi-tech engine, our patience certainly seems to have paid off.


Likely to cost only £22,000 when it goes on sale in April next year, the svelte newcomer is aimed at the Audi TT and BMW 3-Series Coupé. Lined up against these challengers - and in a world where few cars are unique and even the most luxurious share components with other vehicles - the RX-8 is a shameless novelty. From its rotary engine to its pillar-less four-door structure, this car is like nothing else on the road. The RX-8's outside app-earance is striking, although not as dramatic as the show cars'. Lost in the transition to the production version are flush-fitting door handles and strip headlamps. Also, the rear now looks like that of a conventional saloon.


In the cabin, the original's luscious leather seats have been swapped for those more attuned to US tastes, as the manufacturer hopes to sell a third of its annual 40,000 production there. Aluminium trim panels have replaced the prototype's spars, but other than that it's mostly as seen at the Tokyo Motor Show three years ago. When approaching the newcomer, it's the rear-hinged back doors that create the most interest. These 'suicide doors' have been seen making a comeback recently at motor shows, but until now have not featured on a production car destined for the UK.


For safety reasons, the rear doors will not open before the fronts. Though not practical, this improves the body's resistance to side impacts. Once swung wide they reveal two cramped but supportive seats, which are just big enough for two adults. Getting in is tricky, but easier with the front seats tilted forward. Despite there being no B-pillar, it's claimed that integral crash beams, locking pins and latches, plus side and curtain airbags, make the car as safe as a similarly sized saloon. From the driver's seat, the cabin looks similar to the Mazda 6 four-door's and is well laid out with clear instruments and plenty of storage space. The choice of materials - as with the easily scratched black lacquer - is a little too glitzy. But Mazda has paid attention to the ergo-nomics, and the driving position is good.


Spin the starter and the engine whirrs, blip the throttle and the rev counter flips up with no increase in engine noise, only a change in pitch. This is an extraordinary car to drive, with a seamless performance, but not a huge amount of muscle - so you have to use all 9,000rpm. The action isn't anything like that of the old, sequentially turbocharged RX-7, but the RX-8 is still very fast. The 237bhp-engined version tops out at around 155mph, and sprints from 0-60mph in six seconds. Fuel consumption is not so encouraging, though, at 22mpg. A less powerful 189bhp version is also available. It's slower, of course, and needs revving to get the most out of it.


On winding roads, body roll is too pronounced for this Mazda to be an out-and-out sports car. However, the ride is comfortable, grip phenomenal and the handling a driver's delight for what is, after all, a fast tourer. And when you really push it hard, the traction control allows some progressive, tail-out motoring before taking over.


Add accurate electronically assisted steering with a good weight and feedback, plus powerful and sensitive disc brakes, and you have the recipe for cross-country thrills. Mazda really has created a genuine alternative to the German coupés in this sector. John Scott