Honda turns up the heat.

Byline: Robin Roberts

THE insanely-hot Honda NSX has had a makeover and its handling is now better than ever. Hybrids are hot news at the moment, but none come hotter than the Honda NSX.

Those enterprising engineers at Honda saw a role for hybrid power to boost the power and economy of their range topping two-seater coupe when they prepared for its relaunch three years ago.

r with handling, steering, braking and ride improvements which increase its day-to-day delights and tease out more smiles on track days.

The body is part aluminium and plastic over a mixed-material spaceframe with aluminium subframes either end carrying the powertrain, suspension and steering.

The 2019 NSX is fitted with larger front and rear stabiliser bars, raising stiffness by 26% at the front and 19% at the rear, while the rear hubs and control-arm toe link bushings are also harder to sharpen handling.

Beyond the hardware upgrades, Honda has recalibrated software controlling its Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit, electric power steering, Vehicle Stability Assist system and the active magnetic-fluid dampers.

The dampers now provide a ride and response that is even more comfortable in the softest setting, while maintaining the stiffer set-up for higher speeds and on-track driving.

To maximise the improvements potential, Honda has fitted the latest Continental Sport-Contact 6 tyres developed for their coupe's chassis and suspension. But that's not all.

Powertrain changes have improved fuel injection and turbocharger performance while keeping exhaust emissions within new limits.

The 2019 NSX also gets cosmetic changes outside and in, and new colours, Thermal Orange Pearlescent paint or Indigo Blue as well as new full red leather upholstery.

The interior changes have not increased the roominess, and the NSX remains a tight fit for anyone over about 5ft 10in or 1.8m.

The seats are comfortable if you have a medium-sized frame, and their modest adjustment room is offset but the way the bolsters locate you.

If you can fit into the seats, the major controls immediately fall to hand and foot and the secondary stalks and buttons are close as well.

Instruments are in front of the driver, big and very clear. Infotainment console is central, clear and the cabin temperature control is straightforward and works well irrespective of chosen output.

Oddments room is very limited and it's not much better in the luggage space.

The all-wheel-drive grip keeps it planted on the road without being heavy handed thanks to the steering changes and you never seem to approach its limits at ordinary speed.

On open country roads you can move to sharper suspension and responses and you still have the ultimate track tuned set up if you have the opportunity.

On track visibility is rarely a problem but the sleek low lines of the NSX mean you have to be careful when parking or negotiating traffic on trunk roads. Lights and wipers are very good.

The 2019 Honda NSX is a modern supercar which utilises the latest powertrain technology to deliver a rare, refined and enjoyable drive.