THE Honda NSX is a show stopper whichever way you look at it.

I was lucky enough to drive the original NSX back in 1990 and was delighted to be able to sample one of the early cars again before getting behind the wheel of the new one.

It was a real thrill to feel just how good the first NSX was and why it was billed as the world's first supercar suitable for every day use.

Back in the 90s the NSX cost around £70,000 and collectors are now paying that kind of money for good examples. A couple of years ago you could have bought a good one for about £18,000 - a nice investment.

The latest model costs from £149,950 and its fabulous looks set the tone for the incredible driving experience.

Powered by a relatively small 3.5-litre V6 engine, boosted by a pair of turbochargers and no fewer than three electric motors - two at the front and one at the back - the NSX develops a cracking 574bhp.

The result is that 60mph comes up in just over three seconds before going on to a top speed of 191mph if you can find anywhere safe and legal to do it.

Press the button to start things moving and you can surprise your admiring audience by moving off silently under electric-only power.

It is quite a strange experience but press the loud pedal and the car reacts instantly as it sprints through its nine gears at a truly startling pace.

Visibility is good for a supercar and just as well as the countryside flashes by at an alarming pace.

A pure two-seater the cabin is fairly roomy although high sills mean there is no elegant way to make an exit.

The digital instruments are easy to read and all the controls are well laid out easy to use.

The car's Integrated Dynamics System is controlled by a rotary switch which enables the driver to choose from four driving modes - Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track. The first may seem a slightly odd setting for a supercar but it does let you go through towns withoutattracting too much unwanted attention.

As you would expect the other settings alter the dynamics of the car to suit conditions or your mood.

The handling and ride are exactly what you would expect from a supercar and the NSX feels stuck to the road at any speed.

For the starting price the equipment list is substantial and includes climate control, heated leather seats, sports exhaust, an excellent sound system, LED headlights and more importantly a free three-year service plan.

Start ticking the option boxes and you can add many thousands to the final price.

My car had special paint at £4,800, a carbon fibre exterior package costing £7,100, carbon ceramic disc with black brake calipers at £8,400, an interior sports package at £2,300, Garmin navigation, CD player and front and rear parking sensors at £1,700, power adjustable heated sports seats at £2,000 and finally black Alcantara lining at £1,000 bringing the total cost to an astonishing £180,250.