Honda S2000

The Honda S2000, a small sporty two-seater is a performance offering sans parallel to the performance-driven. This pert little number has performance written all over its sensuous body. If you read minimalist in the above statement then it is a shame because the lusty 2.0-litre engine is absolutely brilliant and outstanding, being a car worthy of mention as a great driver's car and just as impressive as a master carriage for the well heeled who want a change from European badged sports cars.

Externally, the Honda S2000's distinctive arrow-like nose with its sweeping headlamp covers takes on a subtly different, sportier appearance with the adoption of a 'triple beam' headlamp assembly. Projector style HID (high intensity discharge) low beam headlamps are now flanked by a traditional reflector design high beam and separate indicators and parking lights. The design motif is complemented at the rear by new triple lens taillights, which make use of LED technology for greater brightness and responsiveness, set beneath a clear lens. A revised bumper provides a more powerful presence to the overall appearance of the Honda S2000's rear view.

The 'cockpit' flavor of the Honda S2000's cabin is, in many ways, restrained yet exuding a flavor that is all so sporty. What I really liked about the interior was that all the switches, buttons et al were in easy reach and absolutely spot on in operation. Despite being a soft-top, security is boosted by a microwave based intrusion-detection system that remains unaffected by subtle movements of the hood fabric. The red and black interior trim really looks the part, lending character to the dynamic exterior to fully convey the Honda S2000's sporting intent.

People in this part of the world are going the American way with the view that bigger is better. That's the reason why everybody wants a V6 or V8 under the hood of his or her car. But the small Honda astounds with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 bhp of power and no less than 208Nm of torque.

The S2000 is one of the quicker cars we have ever tested, doing the ton in 6.2 seconds before going on to reach a top whack of 150mph, which equates to around the 241-km/h mark. During the flat out runs in our test schedule at the Dubai Autodrome the 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor was really thrumming, like a well-toned athlete whipping up pace and that's what you get as you press the loud pedal, the small four winding up torque as she gets off from standstill and powers through to its top speed, always in control, with great feedback but with a well weighted feel to it.

When we took the S2000 from Trading Enterprises, Honda's dealer in Dubai, one of the guys there warned me to watch the back of the car as it had a tendency to snap out of line. Remembering this advice, I was a bit cautious at first but with all that I threw at it, the S2000 held its line unwaveringly and this was thanks to the fact that Honda had listened to its customers and fixed this to make the driving experience not only safer but also more enjoyable.

The Honda S2000 is a very competitive sports car. It can play with, and in many ways - surprise the big boys of the sports car world. What is more astounding is that all this is achieved at a fraction of the price of the big brands.