What's new? Mazda say that the PZ option makes the tried and tested RX-8 more "focused". That was achieved by taking the most powerful of the two RX-8s available (the version with a 228bhp 1.3litre rotary engine. Yes, really, only 1.3litres!) and adding a few aftermarket bits and pieces from the likes of OZ Racing, Bilstein and Eibach. The "new" bits include 18in OZ alloy wheels, a rear silencer and aerodynamic rear spoiler, lowered suspension, sporty door mirrors and grille mesh inserts on front and rear bumpers. And just so that everybody knows the efforts which Mazda and Prodrive have gone to, it also comes with PZ and Prodrive badges.
What are the options? The PZ comes in two colours - Brilliant Black or Galaxy Grey. If exclusivity and cruise-meet one-upmanship isn't for you, then you could settle for a standard RX. There are two available: the standard 189bhp, 1.3litre version with an on-the-road price of £21,400; or the standard 228bhp, 1.3litre version with an on-the-road price of £22,900.
What's it for? The RX-8 was a way of reminding mums and dads that cars can be exciting post-kids. The PZ version from Prodrive takes that thrill a step further. The car's doors meet in the middle, like a gate - and provide class-leading access to the rear seats where the little ones can be secured with far more legroom than you normally get in a sporty coupe. The boot opening is a little narrow but I managed to ram a push chair into what is a fair-sized luggage space. The 2+2 design provides ample space for four adults.
What's it like to drive? Like a midnight racer from a PlayStation game. The RX-8's rotary engine loves to rev and does so all the way up to 8,500. Mated to the six-speed manual gear box which is standard in the PZ, it really does have an arcade feel to it. Driven hard - and without the kids in the back - it feels incredibly rewarding. And the strange door set-up does nothing to spoil the stiffness of the chassis.
What else do I need to know? The 1.3litre rotary engine might sound like the utopian dream of a greenie sportscar fan, but it isn't. The RX-8 PZ will return in the region of 24.8 miles per gallon.
What would make you buy one? The firm, if ultimately naïve, resolution that "having kids won't stop me doing the things I've always wanted to".
Marks out of 10? 8, for being a family car which is a whole lot more desirable than an S-Max.
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