DamianW
24-02-2004, 01:01 PM
At the weekend I took a nearly new black targa NSX out for a drive. As a newcomer, potential purchaser, and an ex Elise owner of 5 years I thought you might be interested in my first impressions.
The car was at Thames Ditton Honda, and the chaps there were about as helpful as I could ask for. For starters they knew I had no intention of buying that car, but still allowed me to have a decent drive in it.
First of all I think the NSX, particularly the new model, looks absolutely cracking in glossy black. This car also had black interior, possibly a slight overkill on the black there ...
Speaking of interior, I found the inside to be very comfortable, and not as dated as I expected.
The drive wasn't really enough to get a handle on the car. It felt quick enough, certainly once past the VTEC barrier where the thing screams like a banshee. What a fantastic engine, I found myself dropping gears and nailing it just to listen. Just brilliant fun that. And where my Elise would give out at around 80mph the NSX just seemed to go on and on.
Pedals and gearchange are top notch, very pleasant to use. I was particularly fond of that very mechanical gear lever.
As per all the reviews over the years, I wasn't initially fond of the steering. Thats something I guess you get used to, but what a shame it has to feel a tad lifeless, a little slow geared.
Anyway, I come away convinced I want one!
The car was at Thames Ditton Honda, and the chaps there were about as helpful as I could ask for. For starters they knew I had no intention of buying that car, but still allowed me to have a decent drive in it.
First of all I think the NSX, particularly the new model, looks absolutely cracking in glossy black. This car also had black interior, possibly a slight overkill on the black there ...
Speaking of interior, I found the inside to be very comfortable, and not as dated as I expected.
The drive wasn't really enough to get a handle on the car. It felt quick enough, certainly once past the VTEC barrier where the thing screams like a banshee. What a fantastic engine, I found myself dropping gears and nailing it just to listen. Just brilliant fun that. And where my Elise would give out at around 80mph the NSX just seemed to go on and on.
Pedals and gearchange are top notch, very pleasant to use. I was particularly fond of that very mechanical gear lever.
As per all the reviews over the years, I wasn't initially fond of the steering. Thats something I guess you get used to, but what a shame it has to feel a tad lifeless, a little slow geared.
Anyway, I come away convinced I want one!