The Honda S2000 takes the drama out of owning a sports car. It rarely, if ever, goes wrong, it’s as easy to drive as a Nissan Micra and is as docile in a traffic jam as a damp Spaniel by a warm Aga.

Introduced in May 1999 the key to its success is its engine. Despite being only 2.0 litres in size, thanks to Honda’s mastery of variable valve timing, it produces a remarkable 240 bhp. In a car weighing 1,250kg that results in a top speed of 150 mph, 0-60mph in just over 6 seconds and economy that can nudge 30mpg if driven gently.

The variable valve timing system results in an engine that runs smoothly and efficiently at low speed, yet can howl like a banshee through the rev band to, in the S2000's case, an awesome 9,000rpm. But whilst power is a lusty 240bhp, torque is an all together more disappointing affair, so driving the S2000 quickly does require plenty of revs.

Sat inside the generously wide cabin, the gear stick falls perfectly to hand and no matter how many times you select another one of the six ratios it delights you with its precision and weight. The high back seats are supportive and very comfortable, with leather trim as standard.

The dash board lay out is wonderfully driver orientated, every switch is within fingertip reach and the rotary dials are satisfyingly chunky. With heart of the car being its high revving engine, the rev counter takes pride of place on the dash, yellow lights illuminate as the revs rise and at the 9,000rpm limit these flash red as you try to exceed the limit. Sat below the rev counter are the large yellow numbers that display your speed, so clear are both displays that the briefest glance provides the driver with this critical information.

Being a soft top, roof operation is important. The well lined roof operation is quick and easy, flick a catch, press a button and it’s all over in just a few seconds, and cars built since February 2002 gained a glass rear screen in place of the plastic one on the earlier models. In addition Honda also offer a hard top, standard on the GT since March 2002 it was a £1,800 option on non GT cars but adds to the cars year round appeal.

The traditional front engine, rear wheel drive configuration gives the S2000 near perfect weight distribution with double wishbones, coils and an anti-roll bars front and rear, handling is neutral and bolsters the drivers’ confidence. Grip from the 16 inch rims and tyres are superb, but push hard and you can provoke over steer, back off and the superb chassis comes back into line. Steering is accurate and nicely weighted and brakes, disc all round, are virtually faultless – powerfully bringing the car to a halt time after time.

Bags of performance and great driving dynamics have made the S2000 a favourite amongst track day enthusiasts so check your used buy carefully before parting with cash, look underneath for signs of an off into the kitty litter and check paint work for shunts.  

With its usefully sized boot, reasonable service costs and sensible standard equipment (that includes air conditioning) the S2000 makes a strong case as a truly practical sports car. For a good selection of used cars visit www.honda.co.uk , the dealer prices will also include a minimum of 12 months warranty and provenance checks that validate the cars history.

     

 

Check the following

 

• Gearbox – 6 speed manual is a gem

• Insurance – Group 20, get a quote before you buy

• Wheels – 16’’ alloys prone to kerbing

• Roof – Rear screen plastic on cars built before Feb 2002

• Colours – red and silver favourites, yellow is less desirable

• Servicing – high revving engine makes full history essential

• Tyres – check that all tyres are the same make 

• Hard top – standard on GT models but an £1,800 option on other models

• Alarm – some early cars come without alarm

• Air bags – twin front bags as standard

• Engine Start button – large red button on the dashboard adds to cars special feel

• Bumpers – easily scuffed

 

The one to buy 

 

• Honda S2000 roadster in silver or redJaguar 

• 2000 ‘W’ with 30,000 miles  

• Pay £16,295 at dealer   £15,250 privately