My Car and I: Fast, fun, rare; the Mazda RX-8

For Manzini-based car enthusiast Umair Muhammad, driving is more than just a daily activity; it’s a passion, a thrill and an escape.

Nothing captures that spirit better than his pride and joy, a Mazda RX-8, which he welcomed into his life in January this year. At first glance, the RX-8 is already a head-turner with its sleek design and unmistakable stance. But what truly makes this machine extraordinary lies under the hood. It’s powered by a 1.3-litre 13B rotary engine that has been turbocharged, making it a rare find in Eswatini’s motoring scene.  He shares that Rotary engines are notoriously hard to maintain and even harder to find in perfect running condition, but Umair’s RX8 stands as proof that the pursuit is worth it.

“The handling on the car is brilliant, extremely fun to drive with a beautiful soundtrack,” Umair said. Indeed, the RX8 is known among enthusiasts worldwide for its sharp, responsive handling, making it a joy to throw around bends. It’s the kind of car that feels alive in your hands, translating every movement of the steering wheel into pure driving pleasure.  But the real magic comes when the engine sings. Revs climbing to a breathtaking 9 000rpm, paired with the unique exhaust note of the rotary, deliver an experience unlike anything else on the road. “Rare engine, high revs, beautiful exhaust note and endless fun; that’s what this car is all about,” Muhammad explains proudly.

Owning a rotary isn’t always smooth sailing. It demands attention, care and an understanding of its quirks. Yet, for Muhammad, that’s part of the charm. The rarity and uniqueness of the RX-8 make every drive special, every rev a reminder of why he fell in love with cars in the first place. As he cruises through Manzini, the sound of the turbocharged rotary turning heads, Muhammad knows one thing for sure; there are no regrets with this car. For him, the RX-8 is not just transportation, but passion on four wheels.