Honda has confirmed the Prelude sports car will make a comeback to the Australian market next year.
Details are still sketchy but the revival of the Prelude nameplate is part of Honda’s recent revival of other well known names such as Passport and Integra.
The new Prelude will replace the discontinued Civic and Accord Coupes and will be released here by the middle of 2026.
Waxing lyrical about the Prelude’s imminent arrival, Honda says this model is a prelude to a new “specialty sport” in the era of electrification, that further evolves Honda’s unique hybrid system “e:HEV” and inherits the “joy of maneuvering” — while also pursuing environmental performance and ease of use in everyday life.
Them’s fighting words, but what does it all mean?
It means Prelude will arrive with a hybrid power train, based on the same platform as the Civic hatch.
This means a 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine plus a two-motor hybrid system that delivers a combined 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque.
However, Honda engineers have reportedly retuned the system to provide more power and sharper throttle response, along with a more engaging engine note.
Prelude will also be the first model to get Honda’s new S+ Shift technology.
With paddle shifters, the CVT has been engineered to simulate eight gears and that probably means there will be no manual option.
First shown at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, the new Prelude made another appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last July.
Given the steep price of Civic ownership these days, however, the new coupe is likely to be anything but cheap.
As a guide, use Civic as a starting price.
Flush door handles, smooth lines and a wide low stance underline the sports image.
Honda has revealed Prelude will get the same dual-axis suspension setup, a wider front and rear track and Brembo brakes as the red hot Civic Type R.
The driver and passenger seat feature a different design, with greater bolstering to support for enthusiastic driving, a D-shaped steering wheel and exclusive sports instrumentation.
At the same time Honda has not neglected practicality, with a wide opening tailgate to make loading and unloading easier, with folding rear seats to make room for larger items.
Prelude dates back to 1978, over five generations and has always been ahead of its time, introducing the latest advanced technologies.
It was the first domestic model with an electric sunroof, as well as anti-lock brakes and a world-first four-wheel steering system.
“We’re thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda line up next year,” Honda’s Robert Thorp said.
“Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal across generations of Honda customers, old and new.”
Fingers crossed.
CHECKOUT: Prelude set to make comeback as a hybrid
CHECKOUT: Honda Civic e:HEV: Eyes on the future
