Honda S-MX: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Honda S-MX catalogue contains one generation, produced from November 1996 to March 2002 as a Compact Van, so there is no choice between generations. Instead, buyers must compare four versions that all carry the exact name 2.0 AT. The meaningful distinctions are output—131 hp or 140 hp—and drive type—FWD or AWD.
The Honda S-MX catalogue contains one generation, produced from November 1996 to March 2002 as a Compact Van, so there is no choice between generations. Instead, buyers must compare four versions that all carry the exact name 2.0 AT. The meaningful distinctions are output—131 hp or 140 hp—and drive type—FWD or AWD. Every version uses a 1,973 cc Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, and 186 Nm of torque. Based on the available figures, the 140 hp FWD version offers the strongest power-to-weight result and the lowest measured fuel consumption, while the 131 hp AWD is the only version with a complete measured consumption set among the AWD choices.
Honda S-MX generations and version choices
The Honda S-MX has one generation in the supplied catalogue. The 1 generation ran from November 1996 through March 2002, used a Compact Van body, and included four versions. No separate restyling or later generation is listed.
Because all four versions are named 2.0 AT, the name alone does not identify a specific configuration. They should be distinguished as 2.0 AT (131 hp, FWD), 2.0 AT (131 hp, AWD), 2.0 AT (140 hp, AWD), and 2.0 AT (140 hp, FWD). These qualifiers describe the database figures without changing the exact version name used for catalogue links.
Honda S-MX engine and specs comparison
All four 2.0 AT versions have a front, transverse, naturally aspirated Gasoline engine with distributed injection (multi-point). The 1,973 cc engine has 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, and an 84 × 89 mm bore and stroke. Peak torque is identical across the range at 186 Nm at 4,200 rpm, while maximum power is delivered at 5,500 rpm.
| Exact version name | Identifying configuration | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, FWD | 131 hp / 96 kW at 5,500 rpm | 186 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 1,973 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, AWD | 131 hp / 96 kW at 5,500 rpm | 186 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 1,973 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, AWD | 140 hp / 103 kW at 5,500 rpm | 186 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 1,973 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, FWD | 140 hp / 103 kW at 5,500 rpm | 186 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 1,973 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
The 140 hp tune provides 9 hp and 7 kW more than the 131 hp tune, an increase of about 6.9%. Specific output rises from approximately 66.4 hp per litre in the 131 hp versions to approximately 71.0 hp per litre in the 140 hp versions. Torque does not increase: every version remains at 186 Nm.
Compression ratio is the other stated engine difference. Both 131 hp versions have a ratio of 8.8, while both 140 hp versions use 9.6. The fuel label remains 92 for every version.
Performance, fuel economy and mpg data
Performance and economy records are incomplete, so unavailable results are stated as not measured rather than inferred.
| Exact version name | Identifying configuration | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, FWD | 12.2 s | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, AWD | not measured | not measured | 9.3 l/100 km | 5.6 l/100 km | 7.1 l/100 km |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, AWD | not measured | 160 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, FWD | not measured | 160 km/h | 8.6 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km | 6.8 l/100 km |
The only measured acceleration result belongs to the 2.0 AT (131 hp, FWD): 0–100 km/h takes 12.2 seconds. That does not establish whether it is quicker or slower than the other versions because their acceleration figures were not measured.
Both 140 hp versions have a measured top speed of 160 km/h. Top speed for both 131 hp versions was not measured, so no numerical top-speed comparison between the two power levels is possible.
For fuel economy, the clearest like-for-like comparison is between the measured 2.0 AT (131 hp, AWD) and 2.0 AT (140 hp, FWD). The 140 hp FWD version uses 8.6 l/100 km in the city, 5.4 l/100 km on the highway, and 6.8 l/100 km combined. These figures are lower by 0.7, 0.2, and 0.3 l/100 km respectively than the 131 hp AWD version’s 9.3, 5.6, and 7.1 l/100 km. This comparison includes both a power difference and a drive-layout difference, so the data cannot isolate how much of the saving comes from either factor alone.
Honda S-MX dimensions, weight and ground clearance
The supplied data provides weight, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity but no exterior dimensions. Wheel sizes were also not measured for every version.
| Exact version name | Identifying configuration | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, FWD | 1,330 kg | not measured | 140 mm | 65 l | not measured |
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, AWD | 1,400 kg | not measured | 140 mm | 65 l | not measured |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, AWD | 1,420 kg | 1,695 kg | 140 mm | 65 l | not measured |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, FWD | 1,370 kg | 1,645 kg | 140 mm | 65 l | not measured |
At the same 131 hp output, choosing AWD adds 70 kg: kerb weight increases from 1,330 kg to 1,400 kg. Among the 140 hp versions, AWD adds 50 kg, raising kerb weight from 1,370 kg to 1,420 kg. Gross weight is 50 kg higher for the 140 hp AWD version than for the 140 hp FWD version.
The 2.0 AT (131 hp, FWD) is the lightest configuration at 1,330 kg. The 2.0 AT (140 hp, AWD) is the heaviest at 1,420 kg, a difference of 90 kg. Ground clearance remains 140 mm and tank capacity remains 65 l across all four choices, so neither parameter separates one version from another.
Every version has independent, spring suspension at both ends, Disc front brakes, and Drum rear brakes.
Power-to-weight comparison
Power-to-weight arithmetic makes the differences between otherwise similarly named versions easier to see.
| Exact version name | Identifying configuration | Kerb weight per hp | Power per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, FWD | about 10.15 kg/hp | about 98.5 hp/tonne |
| 2.0 AT | 131 hp, AWD | about 10.69 kg/hp | about 93.6 hp/tonne |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, AWD | about 10.14 kg/hp | about 98.6 hp/tonne |
| 2.0 AT | 140 hp, FWD | about 9.79 kg/hp | about 102.2 hp/tonne |
The 2.0 AT (140 hp, FWD) has the best calculated ratio at about 9.79 kg per hp. It carries 40 kg more than the 131 hp FWD version but gains 9 hp, improving calculated power per tonne from about 98.5 to 102.2 hp.
The 2.0 AT (140 hp, AWD) nearly matches the 131 hp FWD version in power-to-weight terms: approximately 98.6 versus 98.5 hp per tonne. The 2.0 AT (131 hp, AWD) has the least favourable result, at approximately 10.69 kg per hp or 93.6 hp per tonne.
Which Honda S-MX version should you buy?
For the strongest all-round numerical case, choose the 2.0 AT (140 hp, FWD). It combines the range’s highest output with its best power-to-weight ratio. It also has the lowest complete measured consumption set: 8.6 l/100 km city, 5.4 l/100 km highway, and 6.8 l/100 km combined. Its measured top speed is 160 km/h, kerb weight is 1,370 kg, and gross weight is 1,645 kg.
Choose the 2.0 AT (140 hp, AWD) when AWD is the deciding specification and maximum listed output matters. It retains 140 hp and the measured 160 km/h top speed, but weighs 50 kg more than the 140 hp FWD version. Its 0–100 km/h time and fuel consumption were not measured, so the data does not support claims about its acceleration or economy.
The 2.0 AT (131 hp, AWD) is the AWD choice with measured economy figures. Its consumption is 9.3 l/100 km city, 5.6 l/100 km highway, and 7.1 l/100 km combined. However, it has 9 hp less than the 140 hp AWD version and weighs only 20 kg less, producing the weakest calculated power-to-weight figure of the four.
The 2.0 AT (131 hp, FWD) is the lightest version at 1,330 kg and the only one with a measured 0–100 km/h time, recorded at 12.2 seconds. It is 40 kg lighter than the 140 hp FWD version, but gives up 9 hp while retaining the same 186 Nm. Its top speed and fuel consumption were not measured.
There are no price figures in the supplied data, so it is not possible to quantify what the extra money buys or identify the cheapest version. On specifications alone, the 140 hp FWD version is the most compelling choice; for AWD, the decision is between the 131 hp version’s measured economy record and the 140 hp version’s extra 9 hp.