Road test: Honda NSX

Honda NSX makes waves again, says Mike Stone

Power point: the NSX is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine

12 August 2016

It has been a long wait for Honda’s new NSX sportscar — the last one was phased out 11 years ago. But it was worth it, because the new car, a hybrid, is a cracker.

Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and three electric motors together supplying 572hp and 641Nm of torque, the new NSX is remarkably user-friendly for this type of high-performance car.

Huge amounts of technology help keep you on the Tarmac. Honda claims 60mph arrives in under three seconds.

A very low first gear — one of nine — ensures launch-control starts pin you to your seat as the car works through some of the fastest and smoothest gear changes I have encountered.

Its four driving modes — Quiet (which starts with electric power only), Sport, Sport + and Track — alter throttle response and engine noise. Whether on ordinary roads or on the track, the car’s power remains accessible and hugely enjoyable.After extensive road routes and track testing on Estoril’s former GP circuit in Portugal I could find very little to criticise about the NSX. OK, the satnav isn’t much good, and the honeycomb pattern on top of the dashboard reflects on the inside of the windscreen.

But apart from that, only one thing spoils the fun. At £137,000, it is competing with cars such as Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo. One glance inside the cabin tells you it is a Honda, and definitely not a Ferrari. But hats off to Honda for producing a lightning quick car which is assisted by high technology, but not spoiled by it.

Honda NSX
Combined MPG: 10
CO2: 228g/km
Top speed: 191mph
Price: £137,000

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Road test: Honda NSX

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