New Honda Prelude Returns, But Does It Deliver?

Honda Prelude Reborn: A Modern Hybrid or a Missed Opportunity?

The Honda Prelude is back after a 25-year absence, and the automotive world is buzzing. This sixth-generation model arrives not as a roaring gasoline sports coupe, but as a sleek, modern hybrid. We got our first look and drive of this highly anticipated returnee, and it’s time to see if Honda has recaptured the magic of its iconic nameplate.

First Impressions: A Bold, Yet Divisive Design

When first laid eyes on the new Prelude, the reaction is mixed. From a distance, the proportions can seem a bit awkward, with a front end that some find overly busy, even drawing comparisons to an alien’s mouth. However, as you get closer, the design starts to win you over. The coupe roofline is attractive, and details like the black wheels, blue Brembo brakes, and cool side skirts add a sporty flair. Pop-out door handles, while stylish, are a bit fiddly to use, but they work. Build quality on the exterior appears solid, with tight panel gaps that rival much more expensive cars. The bonnet, while not featuring gas struts, feels substantial when opened.

Interior: A Familiar Civic Base with Premium Touches

Inside, the Prelude shares much of its DNA with the current Honda Civic, which is generally a good thing. The layout is clean, and the inclusion of physical climate controls is a welcome touch. The two-tone interior and blue accents add a bit of flair over the standard Civic. The seats look great and are comfortable, offering a good driving position that feels low and sporty. However, taller drivers might find rear headroom a bit tight due to the sloping roofline. Material quality is mostly good, with soft-touch materials on the dash and door tops. But there are some letdowns. Shiny black plastic trim, prone to scratches and fingerprints, appears on the steering wheel and center console. The seat bolsters on this brand-new press car showed signs of wrinkling and creasing, suggesting potential durability issues with the upholstery over time. This is a problem that can plague even premium vehicles, as seen in some Audi models.

Performance: Hybrid Power Delivers Surprising Pace

Underneath the stylish skin, the new Prelude is a hybrid, powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. This setup produces a combined 180 horsepower, driving the front wheels through a CVT transmission. While the Civic offers 180 horsepower, Honda has tuned the Prelude for a sportier feel. In performance tests, the new Prelude surprised us, hitting 60 mph in a brisk 7.72 seconds, beating Honda’s claimed time of 8.2 seconds. The CVT can mimic traditional gear shifts, adding to the sporty feel. This is a significant improvement over the older, naturally aspirated models, which, while characterful with their VTEC engagement, were slower. The older generation Prelude, with its 2.2-liter VTEC engine, managed 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds, showcasing how far hybrid technology has come.

Braking and Practicality: Modern Advantages Shine

Modern engineering also shines in the braking department. The new Prelude stopped from 60 mph in an impressive 31 meters, a substantial improvement over the older model’s 39 meters. This highlights the benefits of modern braking systems and tire technology. Practicality is a mixed bag. While based on the Civic, the coupe styling and sloping roofline reduce rear passenger space and impact headroom. The boot offers 264 liters of space, which is decent but less than the Civic. The older Prelude, while having less overall boot volume at 284 liters, offered a more open saloon-style boot. Rear seat access and space are tight in both generations, making the Prelude more of a 2+2 coupe than a true four-seater.

Value and Verdict: A Premium Price Tag

The biggest hurdle for the new Honda Prelude might be its price. This top-spec model, with optional paint and trim, comes in at £42,740. This places it in a premium segment, competing with cars from brands like BMW and Audi. While the build quality and performance are commendable, the interior material concerns and tight rear space make the high price tag a tough pill to swallow. The older, well-maintained Preludes, like the one featured, can be found for a fraction of the cost and offer a more raw, engaging driving experience for enthusiasts. The new Prelude is a competent and surprisingly quick hybrid coupe, but its premium pricing and a few interior compromises mean it’s not a straightforward win. It’s a car for those who want Honda’s reliability and a sporty coupe experience with modern hybrid efficiency, but are willing to pay a premium for it.

Source: Has Honda Ruined it? New Prelude v Old (YouTube)