The Honda will cruise comfortably at 75-80 mph (7500-8000 rpm) and it is very pleasant to be able to go for third at just below this speed for final overtaking urge.

The steering is quite light and accurate, with very little feedback except on bad dirt roads, and the little car can be placed accurately at high speed. Handling is a consistent understeer on all surfaces, and is outstandingly good in the wet, if only above average in the dry.

Performance:

(All figures checked to 0.5 percent by Smiths electric fifth wheel and tachometer.)

• Top Speed Average: 88.2 mph
• Fastest Run: 88.2 mph
• Standing 1/4 mile: 20.7 seconds
• 0 - 30 mph: 5.0 seconds
• 0 - 40 mph: 7.9 seconds
• 0 - 60 mph: 16.2 seconds
• Fuel consumption (overall): 39.6 mpg

It is simple to heel and toe in the Honda although a big foot will catch the throttle pedal in a hard panic braking. The short gear lever is in the right spot, and the small wood-rimmed alloy-spoked steering wheel is nicely raked, if a little too offset to the left. Nevertheless, most drivers will be able to get a long-arm stance and will find the driving position to their liking.

Seating is exemplary for a car costing less than 1,000 pounds. The test car was upholstered in black and the seats gripped well around the thighs and back. Leg angle is excellent, and all in all cockpit room is greater than it first appears.

The most striking thing about the Honda is the magnificent standard of finish.