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Looking fitter and driving with more dynamism than ever on its new, larger slim-spoke alloy wheels and fatter tyres, Japan's Ferrari fighter sparked and fizzed on the moors. One of the Honda's greatest strengths is that it has no obvious weaknesses.

Its competence isn't chilled by aloofliess, its engine note tingles flesh through quality rather than quantity, its power steering relaxes effort without anaesthetising feel and its user-friendliness is achieved without softening edges or coddling mollies. In short, the re-fettled NSX is an even more highly polished version of what I, for one, regarded as, pound-for-£, the most complete, and subtly rewarding supercar on the planet. But for the new 911, it would also be the most capable.

It has its fans here. Fountain is in little doubt that it shades the Italian legend 'because it's so close to the Ferrari's class, yet much more friendly, just about as good-looking and, for all practical purposes, every bit as quick.' He goes on. 'The engine note is the most satisfying of any car and I love the broad power band which allows for sustained, hard acceleration.' Walton is sold, too, noting 'whether the route includes a quiet motorway cruise, a shuffle through city traffic or a twisting third-gear thrash across moorland, the NSX will accommodate, entertain and help you in equal amounts.' And Hales is solid gone on the Honda's handling: 'Good feel, superb accuracy and, amazingly, minimal understeer.'

Only Barker, who would be the first to admit that he likes cars to be open and explicit with him, sounds a note of caution:
'In isolation, the NSX seems to have it all a beautifully poised and progressive chassis, thrilling engine note and relaxed ride. Yet the fact is that it's so easy to drive briskly that it takes away some of the challenge.

You don't need to be especially sympathetic or precise to get a silky shift, or coax it as much to set up the ideal, balanced cornering line.
'Even so,' concludes Barker, 'I thoroughly enjoyed it.' And so say all of us.

MCP Motorsport 1999/2000/2001 Last Page Update 10 March 2001