Honda S2000

The S2000 is proof of that. A little more than two years after its launch, the two-seater still enjoys a four-month waiting list and none of its competitors has been overhauled.

However, that hasn't prevented Honda from finding new ways of perfecting its roadster by adding alterations both on the outside and under the skin. The question is: Can any of Honda's engineers tell new and old apart? Well, they probably can - but the rest of us might struggle.

On the exterior, the most noticeable update is a glass rear screen, which replaces the cloudy, plastic version of the launch model. Although it doesn't zip out, the new item includes a heating element for easy demisting. More importantly, it remains the world's fastest electric hood.

Simply undo two latches and the motors are capable of replacing canvas with open sky in only six seconds. The alloy wheels have been restyled, although they retain the same size and basic design, while chrome rings have been added around the brake lights. Two exterior colours - Indy Yellow Pearl and Nürburgring Blue Metallic - have been added to the four currently available. Opt for the latter shade and you get a blue hood, too. You can even have an interior to match: Honda now offers a blue version in addition to red and black.

Other than those details, you'll need the detective skills of Sherlock Holmes to discern the new parts. For example, there's a tiny mesh door pocket, plus silver trim around the instruments and gearlever surround. The shifter itself now has a leather cover - an improvement over the old metal version, which was particularly cold to the touch on winter mornings. We also criticised the position of the headlight washer switch. It sat on the transmission tunnel where your elbow brushed it during gearchanges so, if you had the roof down, you got an unexpected shower. Sensibly, the offending switch has been moved to the dash, but in its place is a rather unattractive plate.

Happily, however, the changes have done nothing to spoil the lovely interior architecture. The S2000 has the most driver-oriented cabin in its class - you barely even have to lift a finger off the wheel to adjust the heating or stereo. That noted, there's more storage space in a Lotus Elise, and the seats are set too high behind the non-adjustable steering wheel. At least the flip-up wind deflector between the rollover bars is effective.

That's just as well because the S2000 is capable of an astonishing turn of speed. Wisely the 2.0-litre engine, gearbox and drivetrain have been left well alone. With 237bhp at 8,300rpm, this normally aspirated engine thrives on revs. Acceleration goes from meaningful to eye-popping as you pass 6,000rpm, and there's still 3,000rpm to play with before the limiter cuts in. We recorded a 0-60mph time of only 5.6 seconds, and Honda claims a maximum speed of 150mph.

Even better, the previously snappy dynamics have been adjusted to make the car more stable. Increased spring rates, softer anti-roll bars and recalibrated dampers combine to make the S2000 an even better - and more predictable - driver's car. That noted, the steering is still not as rewarding as the Porsche Boxster's. That may yet be addressed, though: Honda is thought to be preparing a few modifications for a limited-edition model. Sounds like those engineers are restless already...