If you already own a Honda S2000 you are one of a select few. Honda UK sells only around 800 of these a year, which may explain why you don't see too many of them on the roads.So who buys a Honda S2000? Honda PR tells me either people who want to upgrade from a Mazda MX-5 or downgrade from a Porsche Boxster. But while the MX-5 starts at almost £12,000 less than the S2000, the entry-level Boxster is only £6000 more expensive, and has a lot more badge cachet. Owners of the S2000 might disagree. There are owners' clubs and thriving online communities which celebrate the Japanese sports car.The two-seater roadster was revised last year with changes to aesthetics and performance. The S2000 retains its high-revving two-litre i-VTEC engine which produces its peak power of 243bhp at 8300rpm.Top speed is 150mph and the 0-62mph time is achieved in 6 seconds making this a car that can shift. Combined fuel economy is quoted as 28.2mpg although I'd be surprised if in reality it achieves that, especially if owners make full use of the car's performance potential.The first few times you start the S2000 there's a bit of head scratching before you remember that there is a start button on the dashboard. For those not used to a car with this much oomph, getting going can seem like letting a greyhound loose on a track; however handling is quite nice, especially on country roads, although it might get a bit tiring on motorways. Noise levels aren't too overwhelming, but if it gets a bit much, there's a fantastic stereo system with a great sound to block it out.The steering can sometimes leave a little to be desired, especially round corners. It's not a particularly restful car to drive, and as an S2000 owner said, "It's a driver's car." I think I know what he meant, after getting out of the car feeling mentally exhausted.The S2000 is a good-looking car but quite understated, which means it loses a bit of the wow factor, but not all sports car owners want the in-your-face image of, say the BMW Z4. Revisions include new 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels, two new colours - Deep Burgundy metallic and a Bermuda Blue pearlescent - and an updated interior combination of brown and black.The interior is well set out, although it might feel a bit cramped with two tall adults in. Storage space is extremely limited for passengers, with no glovebox but just a small compartment that would barely hold a CD. Rear luggage space is 143 litres, but in reality would just about carry a weekend bag and not much else.The roof takes six seconds to take down, according to Honda, and although it's not automatic it's not much of a hassle. When the roof is down the car looks its best, although wind buffeting would ruin even Bruce Willis's hair. When the roof's up rear visibility is, predictably, pretty poor.Equipment levels are reasonable, and standard fittings include alloy wheels, electric windows and hood, leather seats, CD player and air-conditioning. One of the options available is metallic paint, which is £300 extra.The S2000 is in insurance Group 20, the highest there is, so be prepared to fork out for cover. It achieved a not-bad four stars for adult occupant protection from Euro NCAP and as with all Hondas you can be sure it's not going to break down as soon as you drive it from the forecourt. Just in case, there is a three-year/90,000-mile warranty.Second opinion: For this money, you're not going to buy anything that sounds quite as good as an S2000 revving to its 9000rpm red line. It really is the most fantastic noise. Unfortunately it's more or less limited to straightline motoring; it's just too much of a faff to keep the revs that high while also concentrating on the corners (at least on public roads - a trackday would be adifferent matter), and in any case the chassis isn't too happy about putting nearly 240bhp on the tarmac if it has anything else to do at the same time. If you're not using the engine to its full extent, the S2000 is a sharp handler, and certainly the best Honda of all in this respect. It's a fine piece of work, but it's not quite as satisfying as the much cheaper (and of course much slower) MazdaMX-5. The S2000's engine is great for occasional bursts, and the chassis is fine for a weekend's fun. If that's all you want,no problem, but I can't imagine wanting to drive this car every day. David Finlay.
