REVIEW: MotorHelix Honda S2000 (AP2) • DiecastSociety.com

REVIEW: MotorHelix Honda S2000 (AP2)

MotorHelix has given us some very detailed models as of late, and when the AP2 Honda S2000 became available on the market I just had to have one. This higher-end brand is known to give us a few extras with its limited production models to enhance our displays, and this Honda S2000 is no exception. There are so many items included in the package, making every collector satisfied with how they would like to display their model.

The Honda S2000 AP2 was produced in the second half of the S2000 production cycle from 2004 all the way to 2009. I still remember when the first gen was introduced to the world and it looked just as spectacular then as it does today – what a great and timeless design from Honda. This design was backed up by its exceptional performance and handling, and this AP2 (which I will be reviewing today) introduced several improvements over its AP1 predecessor. It featured a larger 2.2-liter engine which provided more torque and a slightly lower redline to the AP1’s 2.0-liter engine. The suspension was revised for better stability and comfort, making it more suitable for everyday driving while maintaining its sporty pedigree. Additionally, the AP2 included some cosmetic updates such as revised bumpers and taillights, making it slightly more modern and grown up. For many this Honda S2000 AP2 remains a beloved choice for its blend of performance and its timeless design that looks great even today.

We had a couple of manufacturers in the past produce the AP1 version of the Honda S2000 with opening parts, but we did not have a good opening example of the AP2 – that is until now. MotorHelix has stepped up to the plate – let’s see how the model presents itself.

First, I would like to applaud them for giving us so many accessories. Where do I even start?? You get the soft top, hard top, roof down cover, windows down, windows up, engine holder, engine with its own clear case display, a little brochure, your limited production number, keychain with the S2000 in matching colour of your model, an opening tool with a Honda emblem on top, decals for various license plates, plus a few more goodies. Please take a look at the pictures as I captured them all there. My reaction to all this is WOW!!!

To accommodate everything, this model is packaged in an extra-long MotorHelix branded box. Inside you have a Styrofoam shell with many items on top in their own compartments. Once the styrofoam shell is opened, you will find the engine in its own clear case box, the model itself and a keychain. Everything has its place which keeps all accessories well organized.

This Honda S2000 AP2 is constructed in die-cast metal with opening parts – I think this is the most desired choice amongst collectors. I love the addition of both soft and hard tops. As beautiful as the S2000 looks with the roof down, there is something satisfying about being able to change the look with various tops which are included. One thing that strikes me is how well both hard and soft tops fit. Many manufacturers struggle in the area of fit, but MotorHelix has nailed it! They sit so cohesively! One of the best if not the best attachable accessories I have seen – I am blown away. I wondered how both tops would fit with windows in the up position (which you slide into the door from the top), and decided to give it a go. After inserting side windows and attaching either top, I am again blown away with fit and finish. It is as good as it gets – very well done MotorHelix!!

Blue glossy paint is applied evenly on the die-cast body shell, hardtop and mirrors. There is no paint mismatch between all the parts – simply outstanding quality and finish. Honda badges and S2000 emblems are reproduced faithfully and are photo-etched, giving me no reason to complain.

Door shut lines are tight as is the front hood. I think the opening comes in handy if you would like to open it to see the engine underneath. The trunk shut line is the only area that could be a little tighter when it comes to panel gaps – but that is if you look extremely hard and try to find small imperfections. Side windows fit well into the doors, should you choose to display the model with windows in the upward position. Operation is very simple – take the window, press into the top opening on the door and you are all done. To me, side windows give the model an overall enhanced look and add to the realism.

Interior of this blue example is mostly black and is true to the original. Since the Honda S2000 focuses on driving dynamics, its interior was kept very simple. You did however get a digital gauge cluster, and this is replicated well here. The Honda emblem is present on the steering wheel and the buttons have some colour too. Floors have flocking, seatbelts look realistic, and the start button is painted in red. Even all three pedals on the floor are silver with black dots just like the real car. Once again, well done!

At the front, the grille is perforated, and everything looks well-proportioned and right in place. Open the hood and you are greeted by the engine, which again is reproduced with quality in mind. The hood is held in place with a functional engine prop – another great little detail. Since MotorHelix gave us the luxury of having an additional engine, I would display this model with the engine bay closed and place an additional engine beside the model.

At the back, this model looks just as satisfactory. Photo-etched Honda emblem looks great, the rear lights look on point, and the exhaust tips are absolutely beautiful – better than most models. A rear license plate is finished in white giving you the option of leaving it blank. You can also place one of the decals provided, or simply create your own to match your real car if you own one. The only item I would improve is the shut line of the trunk assembly. Everything else is truly exceptional.

Flip the model upside down and you will be amazed at the amount of detail you have there. I know most people display models on their wheels and do not always look underneath, but it is important to know that MotorHelix did not take any shortcuts here either. I would even go as far as placing a mirror under the model so it could be admired.

Overall, I think this is a well-crafted model. This model trumps many competitors in areas of refinement, customizability, and additional accessories. I am amazed that MotorHelix can produce such a gem for a lower price than a lot of resin, die-cast and composite models. They are going for the crown here to become the leader in 1:18 scale models available on the market. I would personally like to nominate this Honda S2000 along with their Alfa Romeo Guilia model for the running of DiecastSociety Model of the Year!

 

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15 Responses to "REVIEW: MotorHelix Honda S2000 (AP2)"

  1. DS Team says:

    Thanks for the review, Luk! Another stunning model from MotorHelix. The detail of the motor and undercarriage are truly jaw-dropping. The amount of extras is quite impressive too – adding both soft and hard tops is true value for hardcore fans. These guys are the real deal!

    We’re looking forward to more releases. We’re definitely aligned on the DiecastSociety.com Model of the Year, this one is a definite candidate!

  2. yellowcamaro says:

    It’s starting to look like a three horse race between AR, LCD and now Motorhelix in this ‘affordable premium’ space. Good for us. Good for this hobby. Keeping the opening diecast alive. The bronze color gradation on the underbody pipes is a pleasure to look at. You need that mirror! :)

    • Karsten says:

      In fact a three-stables-race, with each stable entering more than one horse for the competition. And the analgogy breaks down in that each model from each stable will eventually steal votes from its stablemates, which in contrast to a real horse race might cost the stable its victory, if its votes are split in between to many of its own „horses“.

      • DS Team says:

        Based on the three and the models we’ve seen, we rate them as follows for overall execution:

        1. MotorHelix
        2. Almost Real
        3. LCD

        • Karsten says:

          Yes, but does the vote for Motorhelix go to this Honda, the Alfa Romeo GTA or the imminent Alfa Romeo GTAm? That’s what I mean: Motorhelix votes will be split in between different models, while LCD might culminate all its votes on one model if only the F1 enters the competition. Then the result becomes:
          1. LCD
          2. Motorhelix

          See what I mean?

          • Wes says:

            People tend to vote for the car more than the model. The fanbase on this website tends to skew towards european stuff so I say we should nominate the Alfa, even though objectively thinking I think the S2000 is the more impressive model with so many different attachments.

  3. Vitaliy D says:

    A great model indeed!
    My heart is somehow took a fancy to Mazda MX5 (that looks pretty close to this Honda, by the way), so I’d be absolutely happy to see 1:18 Mazda MX5 with these level of details and features!

  4. Edib says:

    Thanks for the great review. I have the same model in the same color and fully agree.
    I would love to see it in Imola Orange if motor helix is listening.

  5. Wes says:

    Great model. Bought it in 2 colours. I’d say the most impressive Motorhelix model so far. And we were way overdue for a replacement for Autoart’s ancient effort (which was AP1 anyway)

  6. Dennis says:

    Great review of a great model,I’m had a white 2004 S2000 so I need this model 8n white

  7. RYO says:

    Fantastic review! I also have this model in silver and white, and their details are exceptional. The only gripe that I have about it is their tail lights…as they are not aligned perfectly and you can tell by looking at the grooves engraved on each of the circular components…

  8. Dennis says:

    Just ordered the white version, seems the white is running low in stock as several sellers had one or none.

  9. VCS says:

    It’s great to see a review of this Motorhelix S2000. I bought it first in black and then they released the grey, which is the 1/1 car I have. So I ended up with two models. The idea was to sell the black one, but I like them both so much that they’ll stay in the collection. Motorhelix is doing an excellent job and for Honda fans like me, it’s easy to end up emptying your wallet given the variety and quality of the products it has launched.
    Next I’d like to see a Mazda MX5 NC1 from MH. I’d definitely buy one in black.

  10. Dennis says:

    I received the white one a few weeks ago and it’s a superb model, but I’m curious about the white as it’s actually a Pearl or slight metallic white, did the Japan market sell the S2000 in this color? Because my 1/1 2004 Grand Prix White was not this color.

    • VCS says:

      Dennis, the answer is yes, in Japan Honda sold some special colours. One of them is “Platinum White Pearl” which I believe is the model MH did. The tradicional Grand Prix White is a much better colour, in my opinion.

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