WHAT'S Britain's most common New Year resolution for 2005?

Get fit? Stop drinking? Buy a sports car?

Although the last option might seem like a selfish purchase for any mother or father, there is now a sports car that fits the requirements of family motorists perfectly.

It's an exciting, sporty coup with outstanding driving dynamics, yet it has the functionality of a four-door family saloon.

It is the rotary-engined Mazda RX-8.

No longer does Mum or Dad have to look enviously at other drivers in sharply-styled sports cars.

Since the RX-8's launch in October 2003, 100,000 Mazda RX-8s have rolled off the production line in Japan and UK buyers have snapped up 10,000 of them so far.

Any residue of customer reluctance to embrace Mazda's revolutionary rotary technology has been banished by the car's daily service record in the UK and its remarkable 24-hour record-breaking endurance runs earlier this year in Germany.

Affordable, yet still exotic.

Undoubtedly, the two Mazda RX-8 models have expanded the appeal of the sports car to a wider audience and its ability to seat four is a key feature in attracting this new stream of customers.

Attractively priced at £20,100 and £22,100, the Mazda RX-8 models are affordable yet bring real motoring excitement to everyday family life.

Specification is class-leading on both models, with premium Bose audio system, 18-inch alloys, ABS with EBD, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags and climate control all standard on the 192bhp model.

The 231bhp model comes with the addition of Xenon headlights, a six-speed transmission and alloy pedals.

Under the bonnet is the heart of the Mazda RX-8 - the latest generation of rotary engine, named RENESIS (rotary engine genesis).

This twin-rotor power unit has two 654cc combustion chambers and incorporates revolutionary technology that combines high levels of performance potential with acceptable fuel consumption and low emissions.

It delivers a powerful stream of linear torque across the rev range coupled with highly-responsive acceleration.

The entry model RX-8 produces 192bhp at 7,000rpm, with its maxi-mum torque of 162lb/ft achieved at 5,000rpm.

This model accelerates to 60mph in seven seconds and has a top speed of 139mph.

The RX-8 flagship model prod-uces 231bhp at 8,200rpm and achieves maximum torque of 155lb/ft at 5,500rpm. It sprints to 60mph in 6.2 seconds and can reach 146mph.

The RX-8 is not only popular for its unique, ultra-smooth rotary engine and its stunning exterior styling but, with four doors and room for up to four adults, with ample headroom and comfortable seating, it is also an incredibly practical car.

The four doors have a centre-opening configuration with the rear doors hinged at the back of the car.

This means the Mazda RX-8 has no visible B-pillar, and provides wide door openings for easy access to the rear seats.

The front doors open to 67 deg-rees and the rear to 80 degrees, so getting in and out of the Mazda RX-8 is far easier than a traditi-onal two-door sports car.

The "Freestyle" door system also allows easy access for young children.

The rear seats have ISOFIX - secure mounting points to attach child seats to safely - fitted as standard.

The RX-8 is designed and constructed to provide the very best in active and passive driving safety.

Mazda's sports coup has a newly-developed chassis system, with double-wishbone front susp-ension and a multi-link rear suspension.

This, together with rear-wheel drive and an ideal weight distrib-ution, means it is well-balanced and boasts excellent on-road characteristics and handling.

It also benefits from precise steering and responsive behaviour under all driving conditions.

A perfect family runabout!

For more information, call Alan Gibson Mazda on 01256 866900.