> all S2000 pictures

The way to be noticed in your Honda S2000 is to rev to eight grand, of course; but people will still check the car out when it's standing still. For its basically small dimensions, it has the look of a bigger classic roadster. That's because of the long hood, which is a result of the engine being located behind the centerline of the front axle for better balance and handling. This design also leads to a striking short rear deck.

Speaking of striking, Spa Yellow is the color to choose, if you want your S2000 to be noticed. Our test model was Suzuka Blue, a fairly ordinary steel blue, and it didn't do justice to the identity of the car.

The nose has been tweaked in the 2005 model with a softer bumper, and the new triple-beam HID headlights freshen it and make it look more contemporary. But the S2000's visual appeal still doesn't match its mechanical credentials. It looks a little slab-sided and plain compared to some other sports cars, in particular the radical BMW Z4, but the upside to that is more protection for the driver. The new 17-inch wheels are 10-spoke alloys, and they are gorgeous, framed nicely in the front by the flared fenders.

> all S2000 pictures

Air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, keyless remote entry, and tilt steering are all standard. There's a big red button for an ignition switch, and that's pretty cool. The digital tach is an attempt to be cool, with orange lines arcing across the top of the instrument panel, but it's hard to see and comes across as excessively gimmicky anyhow. The Honda S2000 is all about revving, even if to a diminished 8,200 rpm now, and everything should point there. Such as a needle on an analog gauge. Maybe the S2000 should have a big tach on the steering column, like the Mini Cooper.

There's also a digital speedometer reading mph in fairly big numbers, flanked by small fuel and coolant temperature gauges. The AM/FM/CD stereo is located behind a flap-like rectangular door on the dash; we found ourselves leaving it open for convenience, which defeated its purpose of hiding the system, of course. The buttons are small, but there are redundant controls just to the left of the steering wheel.

The power top moves up and down easily and latches over the windshield. There's a glass rear window with defroster, and also an aero windscreen behind the seats to reduce buffeting when the top is down.

The leather bucket seats are beautifully comfortable, with one inch more shoulder room than before. The three-spoke leather steering-wheel is perfect. There are mesh storage pockets in the doors, but no glove box. There's a new small storage compartment between the seats, giving the cabin minimal storage, a slight improvement from virtually nonexistent.