Honda's highly respected two-seater receives its most significant upgrade to date with a raft of visible and under-the-skin improvements for 2004. The net result is a roadster that's stunning to look at - and even better to drive.
Chief visual changes are larger (17in) revised-pattern alloy wheels (with accompanying wider lower profile rubber), new-shape front and rear bumpers, new "triple beam" projector-style headlamps and LED rear lamps and oval-shape exhaust tailpipe outlets.
The latest car boasts a heavily revised interior with new steering wheel, redesigned centre console and door lining, real leather gearshift boot and the application of silver trim to the headrest backs, console lid and audio panel.
Keen drivers will notice substantial improvements from behind the wheel - with numerous chassis changes contributing to more refined road manners, better braking and more benign handling. Steering, throttle, clutch, gearshift and brake systems have all been overhauled in order to provide greater precision, feel and response.
Other useful improvements include more legible instrumentation (including a clock remote from the radio), heated door mirrors, a centre console storage tray incorporating twin cupholders, a seat belt reminder and a richer-sounding twin tone horn.
Finally the model's security has been improved with a "wave" type ignition key, microwave-based intrusion-detection system and better protection for the door locks.
As previously two models are offered, the S2000 Roadster and hardtop-equipped S2000 GT. Sales of the 2004 Honda S2000 begin in January. Prices appear below…
S2000: £26,500
S2000 GT: £27,500
As this story goes live, we are coming to the end of a week with a lime green 2003-spec. S2000. The review will be online soon, linked from the main
Road Tests page. The changes above seem to answer most of our criticisms of the current model, so we look forward to driving it next summer.
Honda news release - 8 Oct 2003