2006 Honda S2000

For 2006, Honda’s S2000 sportscar undergoes a few changes. There’s a new “Moonrock” black leather interior colour; two speakers are integrated into each headrest; restyled 17-inch alloy wheels; an outside temperature display; drive-by-wire throttle; and standard Vehicle Stability Assist.

The S2000 comes in a single trim line, powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Features include air conditioning, cruise control, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, push-button start, wind deflector, CD player with eight speakers and wheel-mounted controls, leather interior, leather-wrapped wheel, manually-adjustable seats and leather-wrapped wheel. The power-operated soft top includes a glass rear window with defroster.

The S2000 slips under many sportscar-buyer’s radar, but it still sets the standard for Japanese sportscars: its high-revving engine sounds like the F1 cars from which it’s descended, its shifter is sweet and instantly responsive, and it has possibly the best handling of anything out there, at any price. The cabin is simple but extremely well-finished; a pricey removable hardtop is available, although it’s doubtful you’ll want to drive this in anything other than top-down weather. There’s next to no cargo space; stuff it all in an overnight bag and just hit the road.