Originally I wanted a set of 18" Mazdaspeed MS-01 wheels, then it was the Racing Heart C-5 before finally looking at the Simmons FR-19. All are a 5-spoke design with quality beyond the average wheel. All come with prices well beyond what’s considered "Value-for-money". Amazingly, the Racing hearts turned out more expensive than the traditionally overpriced Mazdaspeeds.

If it wasn't for the temptation of Tempe tyres in Sydney’s south I would have gone with the Simmons as they presented the best value for money of the first three choices. However, you can't help but turn towards the Tempe tyres option with their aggressive pricing on the wheel + tyre packages. I was prepared to pay the additional price for the Simmons FR-19's until I started to notice other cars with imitation 5-spoke wheels circulating around. Cheap little girlie cars like a Mitsubishi Lancer or Toyota Corolla where taking up the option & that seriously dented the credibility of this design for me.

A good friend talked me into going for the classy look over the racey one. At the end of the day the Cosmo theme is a classy one. I looked hard at these before deciding on them. Finally it was time to purchase & the finished result was worthy of the expense. The price was inclusive of the tyres at just $2700. Although this is expensive by international standards, its a bargain for an Australian package.

Tyre size was important too, they must bulge out from the rim slightly to prevent rim damage & excessive tyre flex during lateral loads. Tyre sizes ended up being 275/30 out back with 235/35 up front. The look is simply stunning & the Cosmo now has the appearance of a contemporary tourer that holds up against anything on the streets barring the most exotic of classics.

From any angle the look is impressive. Driving around town, the comments come thick & fast. All RX drivers & young guys know what it is with the most common question from this demographic being "Is it a 20B".? The other half is older guys that ask "What is it"? or "I never spotted that at the Eunos dealership" only to be followed by the "What is it" question. Most of all, It’s the rival Toyota Soarer drivers that are the most curious. They spot this similar styled car & ponder what it could be. Many will chase me through the traffic to see what they are missing out on. Others try in vain to take me on at the traffic lights. Many go away with that empty feeling seen in their face.

Just as clothes make the man, do wheels make the car

It's easy to see where the "20B" part of the rego plate comes into play. So where does the "WAR" from WAR-20B come from. Take a trip back to the early 90's when a girlfriend would comment on my driving style. According to her, I was doing battle with every other road user. To honour her appraisal? I got the plates "WAR-300" for my RX-3 coupe & the name continues to this day.

One of the few features left that may require attention is the rear suspension. It sits a little to high in my opinion. The handling is still not a personal blend of ride vs. comfort yet so these matters are on the list of things to do in the near future. Another feature I am looking into is some subtle bonnet venting like the type on Jaguars XK-8, although the latest Aston Martin bonnet venting just caught my eye too. This is required to dump some of the high under bonnet temps thanks to those hard working twin turbo chargers.

These will come in time as I enjoy driving the Cosmo when weekends permit. The exterior look will not change much further as its important not to ruin the classic lines of the car. Although anything tasteful that comes across my path may prompt re-consideration.