Honda S2000 Review
Published: 5th March 2005
Honda S2000
The S2000’s compact dimensions and low weight result in outstanding agility. The engine is situated at the very back of the engine bay in the quest for a low centre of gravity and an optimum weight balance for balanced handling. Occupants sit behind the car’s overall centre of balance, and close to the centre of the rear axle giving the driver a feeling of being closely connected to the car.
The high level of stiffness provided by the high X-bone frame body
structure ensures consistent suspension geometry alignment; and
suspension technology that builds on Honda’s racing experience
all combining to provide advanced chassis control.
A torque-sensing limited slip differential is standard as a guard
against wheel spin in tight corners - we would like to see ESP (electronic
stability programme) available as standard (with an option to disengage)
as a rear wheel drive vehicle with 240 PS can be a little tail happy
in inexperienced hands especially in poor weather conditions.
Ease of Use
The Honda S2000 is a very easy car to drive and manoeuvre. Visibility is very good with the rood down although it is a little more difficult to reverse park with the roof up.
The electrically operated hood is very easy to use simply release the two over-centre catches on the windscreen header rail and press the rocker switch located on the centre console - all in all it takes about six seconds - annoyingly this can't be done on the move at low speed. However, once we discovered the joy of open top motoring the roof mostly stayed down.
The cabin is uncluttered, ergonomically laid out and the controls are easy to use. The instrumentation is in digital numerals which is much easier on the eye and the fuel and rev counters display in arcs, in keeping with the S2000's F1 relatives.
The S2000 is equipped with high performance, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps which are twice as bright as halogen bulbs. They use a high voltage current and a bulb filled with Xenon gas to produce an output much closer to that of daylight. Some manufacturers call them Xenon headlights.
To ensure that the headlights are aimed accurately at all times, an automatic adjustment mechanism is provided. This consists of an ECU that continually monitors the car’s attitude via suspension - mounted sensors, adjusting the headlamp aim to reduce the risk of dazzling oncoming motorists.
A word of warning don't wash the windscreen whilst stationary with the roof down as the powerful headlight washers will project washer fluid over the cabin and in your face.
The trim materials have been checked for susceptibility to degradation from ultra-violet light and they have also been selected for their resistance to the occasional rain shower that may be encountered whilst driving before an opportunity can be found to raise the hood.
On a practical level the Honda S2000 is equipped with a large illuminated boot with 160 litres of space, digital odometer (trip), central locking, remote keyless entry, boot release in the locking centre console & a 12 V power outlet, the key fob incorporates a boot release button which is much easier to use, 'bee-sting' aerial, glass heated rear screen, a pair of hooks is provided on the rear bulkhead behind each seat and a space-saver spare tyre is stored horizontally on the right and inset into the forward boot panel.
Storage is minimal with 2 small mesh door bins, a storage net in the passenger footwell, a locking centre console (replacing the glovebox freeing up space) and a centre console storage tray incorporating twin cupholders.
Safety and Security 
The following safety & security equipment is standard on the Honda S2000 Roadster:
Dual front SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), high level rear brake light, headlight washers, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, roll-over protection, anti-roll bars, rolling code ECU engine immobiliser, remote keyless entry, central locking, Thatcham category 1 alarm system (interior monitoring), boot release in locking centre console and a torque-sensing limited slip differential.
*A Tracker system is optional
