Skip advert
Advertisement

Mugen S2000

Some cars are ripe for tuning. Take any small Ford or the old Mini - such models are designed with frugal rather than high-performance engines and a chassis which can easily handle more power.

Mugen's tuning of the Honda S2000 has made the car's incredible engine truly astonishing. But many may find the VTEC unit a bit of a handful, and be tempted by the host of alternative rag-tops. Nevertheless, this beefed-up roadster is thrilling to drive and a realistic day-to-day car.

Some cars are ripe for tuning. Take any small Ford or the old Mini - such models are designed with frugal rather than high-performance engines and a chassis which can easily handle more power.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On the face of it, therefore, it seems that Honda's S2000 should be left well alone. After all, with 237bhp from its 2.0-litre unit, the car already has one of the most potent engines of its class. And its rear-wheel-drive chassis can challenge even experienced drivers.

But that hasn't stopped Japanese tuning specialist Mugen from tinkering under the bonnet. The outcome is the souped-up road-legal Mugen Power S2000, which is set to take on rivals as fearsome as Porsche's Boxster S.

Honda's VTEC technology already offers a staggering boost of power after 6,000rpm. This allows the engine to continue right up to an ear-bashing 9,000rpm, far above the levels of a conventional unit. Even in standard form, the S2000 covers 0-60mph in only 6.2 seconds and has a 150mph top speed.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ateca

2026 SEAT

Ateca

63,636 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,406
View Ateca
XC60

2020 Volvo

XC60

27,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £26,995
View XC60
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

37,200 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,895
View XC40
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

15,300 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £28,595
View XC40

Mugen, which appropriately translates to 'unlimited' in English, has fine-tuned this performance to maximise output and efficiency. As this is the firm that - until the end of last season - supplied power to the Jordan F1 team, it's fair to say it knows what it's doing.

A new exhaust manifold improves both power and torque at mid and high revs, while a carbon fibre air intake box saves weight and helps the engine to breathe more efficiently. At the rear, a larger but 10.8kg lighter titanium exhaust also aids the power hike, while creating a superb hum from the four-cylinder engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The result isn't a dramatic increase in peak power or torque, but more of both in the middle of the rev range, between 4,000 and 7,000rpm. No official performance figures have been released yet, but the engine is noticeably less flat-feeling in any gear. Pinned to the seat as the digital rev counter flashed green to red, we found it virtually impossible to separate grimace from grin as we put the S2000 through its paces at the test track.

Take a breather, though, and Mugen's monster is still a user-friendly rag-top. It will potter around town with a quiet burble, its generous boot full of shopping. Meanwhile, the cabin is very well laid out, and the power hood helps make the most of the sunshine.

But the drawbacks are still there, too. A lack of seat and steering adjustment means it's not easy for tall drivers to get comfortable, while the intrusion of the transmission tunnel into the footwell impedes entry to the car. The steering is still not perfect, either, but Honda's close-ratio six-speed gearbox is unchanged, providing one of the most satisfying and slick shifts around. Even though Honda won't officially import the Mugen S2000, it will let its dealers ship in the tuning parts from Japan, and still honour the full three-year 90,000-mile manufacturer's warranty on the uprated motors.

Our car was supplied and converted by Southern Counties Honda, West Sussex. Prices start from £29,710 - nearly £4,000 more than a standard car - and you can spend even more, with bodykit options including new alloys, front and rear spoilers and side skirts.

The Mugen S2000 is an extreme and pricey proposition that will have its work cut out to beat the latest competition. But if you are looking for a more entertaining alternative to a German roadster, it could be playing your tune.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,875
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025