Honda NSX Review
The Honda NSX is a futuristic hybrid supercar that takes inspiration from the legendary 1990’s original, but can’t quite match the raw thrills provided by many petrol alternatives
What's good
What's not so good
Honda NSX: what would you like to read next?
Is the Honda NSX a good car?
The Honda NSX is a seriously fast sports car with a high-tech hybrid petrol-electric engine that means it can drive in silent electric power alone. It doesn’t have the same badge kudos as the likes of an Audi R8 or a Porsche 911, but it more than makes up for that with its impressive turn of speed and space-age looks.
Unfortunately, the Honda NSX’s interior isn’t quite as eye-catching as its look-at-me exterior. Sure, you get plenty of leather on the dashboard and some aluminium trims dotted about the place, but the central infotainment screen looks like it’s been pinched from a Civic – and not even the current model.
Thankfully, the leather seats feel plush and supportive which helps make long journeys as relaxing as if you were driving a comfortable family saloon. Even visibility’s pretty good, so squeezing through gaps in the traffic won’t result in any heart palpitations like it can in some supercars.
On top of the easy drive, you get a boot that’s practical for a supercar, the NSX is one of the few of its type with a boot big enough to carry a set of golf clubs. Sadly, there isn’t enough space for a large suitcase, so you’ll have to settle for a soft bag that’ll crease your shirts.
If you’re planning on driving the NSX for long distances, you’ll be pleased to hear its suspension does an excellent job of ironing out bumps and potholes – in Quiet mode, at least. Stick it in Sport, Sport+ or Track mode, however, and things become much firmer, faster and louder.
With all the knobs and dials turned up to 11, the Honda NSX transforms from a surprisingly relaxing cruiser to a seriously speedy sports car. Blasting from 0-62mph takes less than three seconds and the instant response you get from its three electric motors helps it slingshot out of a tight corner faster than a cheetah with a rocket up its bottom.
If you think Hondas are designed exclusively for pensioners, then the NSX will make you think again
When the muscles in your face are tired of grinning and you just want to get home, the Honda NSX settles into a quiet, comfortable cruise, and even returns 26mpg – very close to Honda’s claimed 28mpg figure.
It’s this that makes the NSX such a compelling sports car – it can do everything the Audi and Porsche can, but makes light work of the day-to-day stuff that leaves some conventional supercars completely stumped. If you can look past the Honda badge and the slightly disappointing soundtrack, the NSX deserves a place very near the top of your supercar wishlist.
You can read more in-depth info on the Honda NSX in the interior, practicality, driving and specifications sections of our review over the following pages.
How practical is it?
The Honda NSX isn’t exactly cavernous inside, but it’s much roomier than most rather cramped supercars. Unfortunately, while golf clubs fit in the boot, a large suitcase doesn’t
Because it has two electric motors mounted between the front wheels, the Honda NSX doesn’t come with a second boot under the bonnet like other supercars
What's it like to drive?
The Honda NSX is both searingly quick when you want it to be, and comfortable and quiet when you don’t. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound as exciting as a wild-looking supercar should
With a light touch on the accelerator, the Honda NSX will return more than 25mpg. Do you really care, though? No, thought not…
What's it like inside?
You get a decent amount of equipment in the Honda NSX as standard, but neither the digital screens nor the standard materials look particularly upmarket