November 22^nd, 1999                                

S2000 wins two more Australian awards

Honda’s S2000 roadster has collected more motoring accolades, winning Best Sports Car in two major awards announced today.

The S2000 was placed ahead of the Subaru WRX, Peugeot 406, Audi TT and Ford Cougar to take top spot in the RACQ/Courier-Mail QCAR awards and in the RACT awards.

Only last month, the S2000 was named Best Sports Car above $56,000 in the inaugural NRMA/RACV awards.

A panel of 18 judges evaluated the vehicles for the latest awards and according to QCAR and the RACT, concluded the S2000 is "a classy, well-built and dynamic sports car, worthy of the highest accolade…"

"The 2.0-litre VTEC (variable valve timing) engine in the S2000 is a beauty. That Honda has managed to wring a substantial 176kW out of a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine is impressive enough, but the whole package has been so well put together that the rear-wheel-drive S2000 is a driving enthusiast’s dream."

Throttle response is described as "outstanding" and the engine "really sings at higher revs." Its throaty growl is described as "music to the ears of enthusiasts."

QCAR and RACT add: "The willing and responsive powerplant is perfectly mated to a slick, six speed gearbox – so much so that you’re sometimes tempted to change gears just for the fun of it.

"All this combines to make the driving experience a pleasure and exhilarating, sometimes even when tootling around the ‘burbs."

Honda Australia senior director Mr Neal Robertson said: "We’re delighted that the S2000 is receiving such positive recognition among the country’s motoring organisations.

"The S2000 has topped the luxury car sales segment in the last two full months since launch, so our customers clearly share the view of the motoring organisations."