Honda Prelude (2025 - )

When Honda announced it was digging deep into its heritage and reintroducing the historical Prelude name, it was met with mixed feelings. After all, it’s a gamble that has worked remarkably well for some, including the brilliant Renault 5, while others haven’t been greeted with quite so much enthusiasm, such as the all-electric Ford Capri.  
Thankfully, the 2026 Honda Prelude falls into the first category and the name that has been dormant for 25 years, is guaranteed to make an impact.
While historical Prelude took its design cues from the somewhat dreary Accord, the new petrol hybrid model is looking to the skies for inspiration with a front end and interior that bears a resemblance to a glider plane. 
It gains much of its technology from the Civic type R and really looks the business with its sleek two-door coupe styling that is guaranteed to bring out the green-eyed monster in onlookers.
Like the Type R, there is one trim level called Advance and also just the one powertrain too that sees a 2.0-litre petrol engine working alongside a small 1.1kWh battery and two electric motors for dynamic, yet efficient performance.
The car, which is open for orders in November with deliveries expected from next March, is priced at £40,995 and we put it to the test in the glorious sunshine in Southern France where it mingled effortlessly with the rich and famous around Nice.
 

Powering our front-wheel drive e:HEV Honda Prelude was a punchy 2.0-litre petrol engine that works alongside two electric motors and a compact battery to deliver 184PS and 315Nm of torque. And those figures translate into impressive performance stats with the car completing the 0-62mph dash in a very respectable 8.2 seconds (it feels faster) and onto a top speed of 117mph.
Although it’s not quite as gripping or edgy as the Type R, it has ample power and is beautifully balanced and grounded when firing through the French countryside with smooth acceleration through the CVT gearbox. The steering is perfectly weighted with good levels of driver feedback and the car is deceptively agile in busier towns and small villages where it will gain the attention of onlookers as it cruises by.
There are drive modes to alter the dynamics and these are called Comfort, Sport, Individual and GT, the latter of which is the default mode. In addition, there is an EV Drive mode which draws its power from the battery, a Hybrid Drive mode whereby the engine driven generator supplies the propulsion motor, plus an Engine Drive mode which relies solely on the petrol engine.
One feature on the Prelude that the engineers are proud of is S+ Shift technology which allows the driver to use the steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gears thanks to a simulated eight-speed transmission. There is even a soundtrack to accompany the setting complete with throttle blips when changing down. The S+ Shift works well enough, but could become a bit of a novelty feature after time. 
When left in its normal settings (i.e. without the S+ Shift activated) the paddles are used to alter the strength of the regenerative braking with seven levels to choose from. And a first for Honda is the Coasting mode that will do just that when you lift your foot off the throttle, so maximising fuel efficiency.
Refinement levels are impressive with a suspension set-up straight out the Civic Type R with adaptive dampers that help aid both the performance and the comfort levels.
 

If you’re a shrinking violet type of person that doesn’t like drawing attention to yourself, the all-new sixth-generation Honda Prelude may not be the car for you. That’s because designers wanted to emulate the grace and simplicity of modern gliders with a streamlined body, sharp nose, narrow headlight clusters, a slim black grille and flared wheel arches. The end result is a stand-out vehicle that will rarely go unnoticed.
There is a double bubble roof that is a design trait on high performance cars, along with flowing lines into the tailgate, and a full-width rear light bar. Even the signature daytime running lights resemble the wide spreading wings of a plane. Our car featured striking Racing Blue paintwork and the look was completed with 19-inch alloy wheels with blue brake calipers carrying the Prelude name.
Moving inside, the two-door, four-seater oozes quality with a choice of either white and blue, or black and blue upholstery. The seats are powered and can be heated, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel features thumb rests for more engaging driving.
There are plenty of physical controls, allowing for quick adjustments to features such as the drive modes, or switching the powertrain set-up between EV, hybrid and full engine. A built-in voice assistant can help manage a number of tasks so reducing driver distraction. while the touchscreen interface is clear and uncomplicated, enabling the driver to focus longer on the road ahead.
Behind the steering wheel is a 10.2-inch driver display screen which can be personalised to taste. This is where all the main driving information is clearly shown, including speed, fuel levels, and navigational directions. It’s clarity and simplicity once again impresses, making it easy to read on the fly.
Additionally, a nine-inch infotainment screen offers access to functions such as the sat nav set-up, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, and a pitch perfect eight-speaker Bose sound system.
 

The Honda Prelude is a two-door, 2+2 coupe that stretches 4,532mm in length, 2,076mm across (including door mirrors), 1,349mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,604mm.
Just like models in its class, cabin space is great for anyone sat up front, but restricted for anyone asked to squeeze themselves into either of two back seats. They would be fine for adults over a short period of time or for children, but even better to throw a couple of coats or bags on.
The boot is accessed via a manual, wide-opening tailgate and it can accommodate 269 litres of lit, a capacity that increases further to 663 litres with the rear seats dropped flat. That’s enough space for a couple of sets of golf clubs, and there is a tonneau cover to keep items away from prying eyes, plus a handy divider to prevent smaller bits and pieces from rolling around.
In addition, there are plenty of practical storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, including a locking glovebox, door bins, a central cubby, front cup holders, USB-C ports, seat back pockets, a sunglasses compartment, wireless charging pad and some trays.
 

The Honda Prelude pricing structure couldn’t be simpler - one trim level, one powertrain and one price. It costs £40,995 which sadly means it creeps into the Expensive Car Supplement territory which adds an extra £425 to the annual tax bill for owners from years two to six.
Despite its dynamic styling, the day-to-day running costs are not too bad. The Prelude can deliver a WLTP-tested 45.2mpg with carbon emissions 117g/km. That will result in a first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) bill of £440, but this will drop down to the standard fee of £195 after 12 months.
If anyone is lucky enough to be offered the Prelude as a company car, it has a Benefit in Kind rating of 29 per cent.
While it is too early to talk about the reliability of the vehicle, Honda does enjoy an enviable reputation for developing cars that deliver year upon year of trouble-free motoring. But for added peace of mind, the Prelude comes with a three-year, 90,000-mile warranty package.
We should also mention the comprehensive list of safety features and driver assistance aids that are standard in the car. Although the Prelude is unlikely to be tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating due to low volume sales, Honda has a bold ambition to completely eliminate fatalities involving any of its vehicles, including motorcycles, by 2050. With that in mind, the Prelude includes forward collision warning, blind spot information, road departure mitigation system, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, cross traffic monitor, traffic jam assist and a suite of 10 airbags.
 

It’s almost impossible to predict how the Honda Prelude will be received as it will appeal to quite a niche market, but it is a fabulous car with bundles of all-round appeal. It looks drop dead gorgeous when approached from any angle, is packed with all the latest technology and is engaging to drive. And, with low sales numbers expected, it could go on to be quite a collector’s car.