After a 24-year-long hiatus, the Honda Prelude is finally back. Visually, it stays true to the show car, featuring only minor changes like a new front lower skirt, a different alloy wheel design, and a more prominent rear spoiler. However, the biggest talking point among enthusiasts will definitely be its powertrain.
Because instead of a high-performance powertrain many were hoping for, the all-new Honda Prelude has now been confirmed to feature the same exact 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain as found in the Honda Civic. This means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 141 hp and 182 Nm, paired to a traction motor that produces 184 hp and 315 Nm to drive the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.
Honda has not stated an official combined power figure or a 0-100 km/h time for the Prelude, but we can look to the Civic e:HEV for reference. That car, with the same powertrain, achieves the century sprint in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h.
Now, you might be asking why we’re comparing a sleek sports car to a family sedan. Well, here’s a fun fact: the Civic e:HEV is actually lighter than the new Prelude, tipping the scales at 1,445 kg versus the Prelude’s 1,460 kg.
In the world of physics, a lighter car is almost always quicker. So theoretically, the Civic e:HEV could be faster than the Prelude in a straight line—though other factors like aerodynamics and tuning could still give the Prelude an edge. This means the Honda Prelude definitely doesn’t have Honda Civic Type R performance, nor is it going to compete numbers-wise against similar sports cars like the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ duo, which boasts 237 hp and 250 Nm.
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Despite not having Civic Type R-level power, the Prelude does at least share some crucial parts with its hotter sibling. The coupe is based on the same chassis as the Type R, and further borrows its fancy dual-axis front suspension, adaptive dampers, steering system, and high-performance Brembo brakes.
According to Honda, the all-new Prelude will also be the first model to feature the company’s new “enhanced” Honda Agile Handling Assist. This is a driver aid designed to improve steering responsiveness and stability during cornering and aggressive manoeuvres.
Other unique features include the new Honda S+ Shift system, which can be activated via a large button on the centre console. This system emulates an eight-speed gearbox for the e:HEV powertrain – which has no mechanical gearbox – and further pipes in synthetic engine sounds via the Active Sound Control (ASC) system to help drivers feel more connected.
The Prelude is also the first Honda to be equipped with a new Coasting Control feature, which allows the vehicle to decelerate as if it were in gear or neutral.
Also present on the Honda Prelude are four unique drive modes: Sport, GT, Comfort, and Individual. The latter enables the driver to customise six settings to their own liking: the powertrain, steering, suspension, meter display, engine sound, and even the adaptive cruise control system.
With the spicier upgrades, the Honda Prelude in Japan will command an eye-watering sticker price of JPY6.179 million (approx. RM176k), with the Japanese carmaker aiming to sell 300 units per month. The price tag makes it significantly more expensive than even Honda Civic Type R in Japan, which is priced at JPY4.997 million (approx. RM142k) for the standard model.
In fact, it puts the Honda Prelude in the same price bracket as the spruced-up Civic Type R with the Racing Black package – all without the extra performance that the red-hot Civic offers. That’s a whole lot more to pay, for mostly just style.
The sports car has been confirmed for Japan and the US markets, with an expected arrival stateside in late 2025. Despite previously being shown off during the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, it still remains to be seen if the Honda Prelude will make if over to Malaysian shores. But even if it does, would you pay Type R money for a two-door Civic e:HEV?
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