THE Mazda RX-8, which went on sale at the end of October, has already exceeded the predicted 2003 volume with more than 1,600 customers having placed their orders via Mazda’s web-based pre-order facility.

However, there is capacity for sales of up to 2,000 during 2003 so anyone wanting to be the first to own one of these rotary powered sports cars can still order one on the web site at www.mazdaRX8.co.uk for a deposit of £1,000 or through their local dealer.

Mazda say the have built up an interesting profile of the Mazda RX-8 driver from the 1,600 customers. The majority of pre-order customers are aged between 25 and 55, with 82 per cent male and 72 per cent of customers opting for the 231ps version.

The four most popular colours are red, titanium, black and silver with 56 per cent of customers opting for the leather option.

Marketing director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “In August, 2001 we said this would be a product-led revival, and it certainly has been.

“We have in excess of 1,600 pre-orders for the Mazda RX-8 each with a £1,000 deposit, which is by far the largest order take across Europe and we are particularly pleased that our pre-order process has encouraged customers to place orders despite not having seen or driven the car! This is a terrific endorsement of our product range and the advances we have made in recent years. What is really encouraging is that 90 per cent of these customers are new to Mazda, including significant conquests from premium German marques.

“For a long time we have been seen as a one-brand company with the Mazda MX-5, which in its 14th year will have best-ever sales of more than 9,000. However, with the recent launches of the Mazda6, the Mazda2 and - next January - the Mazda3, we have changed this perception.

“Total Mazda RX-8 sales for this year were forecast for 1,600 but there is enough capacity for us to go to 2,000. In 2004 we are looking to sell 6,000, which is about two-thirds the number of TTs that Audi sells in the UK. The rotary engine is new to many people although more than 1.8 million have been sold worldwide. More than 85 per cent of our customers are A/B professionals who are very well read and know all about rotary engines and we want to bring rotary technology to an ever-greater audience.”

In line with Mazda’s philosophy of offering value for money cars that are fun to drive, the UK pricing of the Mazda RX-8 is extremely attractive.

The 192ps version is priced at just £20,000 and the high power - 231ps - £22,000, a pricing strategy that has led to a high level of interest in the car.