Call us biased, but there’s a good reason Honed Developments focuses on Hondas when developing parts for affordable track cars.
With an engineering quality and sophistication far beyond what’s available in most similar machinery, they’re the perfect way to cut laps without ruining your bank account.
Here are Honed’s top five reasons why Hondas make the best affordable track cars.
1. COSTS ARE LOW
No matter your budget, there will an appropriate Honda to purchase to start your motorsport journey, from Fits/Jazzs and various generations of Civics to CRXs and Integras.
As anyone involved in motorsport will tell you, the car’s purchase price is just the start, but what sets Hondas apart is relatively low running costs.
They’re typically light, which makes them easy on tyres and brakes, and those tyres and brakes are small and cheaper to replace. Small engines don’t drink as much fuel and being naturally-aspirated they’re not under the same stress as turbo engines.
2. THEY ARE SIMPLE
Your average home mechanic can build and service a competitive Honda track car without a lot of support (though a group of friends always makes things easier).
They’re generally reliable, easy to work on and their popularity means there is a wealth of knowledge and support out there.
3. FUN TO DRIVE
While there are plenty of affordable cars out there that can be driven around a track, few are as enjoyable as a Honda.
All Civics from the fourth-generation EF (1987 introduction) to the sixth-generation EK (2000 production end) have indepedent suspension front and rear with a double wishbone front end, which is much more sophisticated than the MacPherson strut/torsion beam combo found in most hatchbacks.
Combine this with responsive, high-revving engines and slick gearboxes and you have a car that rewards the performance driver. And even the strut/beam Fit or Jazz are enjoyable and capable with a few tweaks.
4. HUGE AFTERMARKET SUPPORT
There’s certainly an appeal to being different, until you come across problems. Then valuable time is wasted trying to find solutions to issues few people have ever faced.
Decades of research and development mean that whatever obstacles you hit with a Honda (not literally, hopefully), you’ll quickly be able to find either the know-how or the part to fix it. And that means more time driving.
5. YOU’RE ALWAYS THE UNDERDOG
Not only do you have a reliable car, an affordable car and an enjoyable car, you’ve also got a fast car.
Plenty of laps means plenty of practice and no one will give the humble Honda hatchback or sedan a second thought until it’s on their bumper with lights ablaze.