Honda NSX (2016-2022) review

Introduced in 2016, the second-generation Honda NSX never sold in big numbers in the UK and is no longer available to order new. It was something of pioneer, going down the hybrid powertrain route several years before the likes of the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura showed up.

Sitting at the top of the Honda range, the NSX served a similar role for its Japanese manufacturer as conventional supercars like the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo do for their respective makers. There’s no mistaking it as anything other than a top-end supercar, given its 3.3-second 0-62mph time and punchy near-£150,000 price tag when new.

The eye-catching styling certainly helps the NSX sell itself as a supercar, with the low roof, precise creases, aggressive stance and gaping air intakes all declaring the exotic Honda to be a speed machine of the future. The interior styling flair also doesn’t disappoint.

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Power is in plentiful supply, with 573bhp streaming from a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine (which accounts for 500bhp on its own) and three electric motors – one on each front wheel and one on the rear axle – to provide four-wheel drive. Of course, there are several driving modes that can alter the car’s character to suit the occasion, from whisper-quiet commuter to face-bending supercar thriller.

That said, the NSX is a heavy car by the standards of its peers, and that shows with handling that's invigorating, but not quite as playful and adjustable as that of a McLaren. Still, it’s up there with the Porsche 911 and Audi R8 for fun and handling character, which is no small compliment.

We’d like the NSX to make a bit more noise about that savage performance, as it doesn’t have quite the rebellious, howling soundtrack that you expect of a car that so clearly puts fun first on the agenda. Nevertheless, it still featured regularly on our list of the best hybrid and electric supercars when on sale. For a more detailed look at the car, read on for the rest of our review...