| Its interior is a mix of generic Honda with a dash of sport.
Much like other Honda's, the SSX is expected to have great ergonomics and
control switches, and with the 2401-mm wheelbase it provides ample interior
room to match that of the Z3. Meanwhile the digital speedometer and
the edge arching tachometer, which are not traditional Honda, can be converted
from English to metric system with a touch of a button. The fuel
and temperature gauges are located at the bottom of the instrument panel.
The seats are no undoubtedly sports-racing bucket type combining with a
huge front windscreen for excellent forward vision.
Unsurprisingly, Honda did not target the 133 bhp, 1.8-liter MX5, rather it targeted the Autobahn cruisers Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW whose roadsters have 201, 193 and 189 bhp respectively. Tested in the old Nurburgring in Germany, Honda decided to use a 2.0-liter DOHC VTEC LEV engine which churns out an amazing 240 bhp. In addition to this, a 6-speed short-throw gearbox has been added for more fun. In addition to this, this front-engine, rear-wheel drive car has an amazing weight distribution of 50 / 50, which says 'better handling'. Speaking of handling, the SSX will be introduced with electric-power steering which will improve the 'communication' between driver and car. Also, by using the same upper and lower A-arms, coil strings, tube shocks and anti-roll bar suspension of the NSX, the SSX will undoubtedly be a leech around the corners. That's not all. Honda made sure that this car would be one of their safest for both passenger and environment as well. It can survive a full-front barrier test at 55-km/h and offset deformation barrier test at 64 km/h. And it comes with Honda's LEV (low emission vehicle) engine which ensures a cleaner fuel-burning car. A true sportscar for the next millenium? Now, with all of the pros and cons mentioned, can this car truly be
a Boxster beater? Oh, yes. Not only will the SSX be priced
handsomely lower than its German counterpart, it is faster, more powerful,
albeit more sporty too. However, like other Japanese cars, the problem
is not out-performing the rivals, but establishing a good name. German
roadsters have been so popular because of Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW
badges slapped on them. It would take sometime before Honda would
be able to reach the status of their competitors. However, a quick
glance at the car and the specs sheet would probably change the way of
thinking. This car can only be successful if marketed right and sold
right.
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