JUST becoming available in the UK is a revised version of Mazda's RX-8 sporting coupe.

The standard-fit Sports Styling Pack comprises a sport front bumper, side skirts and rear wing all finished in body colour.

The new model's front wings no longer feature the air-extractor vents behind the wheel arches and accommodate the turn-repeater light instead.

The new version features a new front bumper design that has a larger five-point grille and oil cooling openings (below the front fog lights), that are nearly twice as large as on the original model for an even stronger look and improved cooling.

Added to this are new front headlamps, new front bumper designs, new twin round LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust pipes (now 90mm in diameter) .

The more aggressive appearance created by the revised styling is complemented by the all-new, larger diameter 19in alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 40 section tyres.

These extra-light wheels have five "rotor-shaped" spokes and are finished in dark titanium.

The uniquely high-revving Renesis engine of the new RX-8 is evolved to deliver sharper responses, although the outright power (231bhp) and torque are unchanged.

The rotary engine's smoothness is enhanced by the introduction of a two-knock sensor system, a first for Mazda, which improves the detection and prevention of knock.

Drive shaft torsional rigidity has been increased by 30 per cent improving driving performance and reducing NVH.

The new RX-8 also features variable "red-zone" technology, which limits revs at a cold start to protect the engine and allows full use of the car's broad 9,000rpm rev-band when it is fully warmed.

Every new Mazda RX-8 R3 comes with a new six-speed manual gearbox developed from the transmission fitted in the third-generation MX-5. It is fitted with a higher top ratio (0.787:1) for quieter, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising.

Mazda quotes a 146mph top speed with the ability to reach 62mph in 6.4 seconds.

The new RX-8 continues to feature the front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive configuration of the original, delivering a 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles.

Mazda engineers have stiffened the body shell so that twisting and flexural bending rigidity have been increased by 5.4 and 8.7 per cent respectively.

Revised steering and suspension deliver even better steering feel and driving stability.

The interior of the new RX-8 adds new trim materials with new Recaro sports front seats, a tachometer that now has a variable red-zone that rises as the engine comes to operating temperature, an instrument cluster with a newly developed colour to help minimise eye strain and a new-style steering wheel.

In addition to the Sports Styling Pack, larger 19-inch diameter alloy wheels and Recaro front seats, every version comes with 12 new items such as cruise control, automatic light-sensing xenon headlamps, automatic rain-sensing wipers, an integrated Bluetooth system and special badged carpet mats.

Buyers will also enjoy the new BOSE premium audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot noise compensation technology exclusively designed for R3 with an eight-channel digital amplifier. A 6-CD autochanger, nine speakers and an AUX auxiliary jack (for connecting an MP3 player), complete the audio system.

The new RX-8 is priced at £24,995.