Honda’s decision to revive the Prelude nameplate in the electrified era comes with big expectations.
This is a car trading heavily on heritage: a sleek hybrid coupe that promises “unlimited glide”, driver involvement and an elegant, long‑distance GT flavour.
In terms of looks and handling, it largely delivers on that brief - but keen drivers may find themselves wishing for more power.
Visually, the Prelude makes a strong first impression. The glider-inspired silhouette - low roofline, long bonnet, clean surfacing and a full-width rear light bar - gives it a graceful, contemporary look that avoids retro pastiche.
Racing Blue Pearl paint and the 19‑inch alloys with blue Brembo calipers suit it particularly well.
The aero work is clearly more than skin deep, too. At motorway speeds the car feels stable and secure, with very little wind noise.
Inside, Honda has gone for a driver‑focused but largely minimalist approach. The low, wide dashboard echoes the wingspan theme, improving forward visibility and making it easy to place the car on the road.
The 10.2‑inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and clear, and the nine‑inch central touchscreen is fast enough and not festooned with gimmicky graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrate smoothly, and physical controls for key functions spare you the worst of menu‑diving. The Bose audio system is a highlight: rich, well‑controlled sound that suits the coupe’s GT persona, and a nice counterpoint to the quiet hybrid drivetrain in normal use.
The front seats deserve a mention. Honda has differentiated driver and passenger chairs subtly - the driver gets firmer bolsters and a more supportive base, the passenger a slightly softer, easier‑access design.
In the back, space is just about passable for adults on shorter trips and fine for children.
Under the skin sits Honda’s latest 2.0‑litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain, producing 184PS and 315Nm of torque. On a spec sheet that translates to 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds - adequate in isolation, but disappointing for a coupe trading on the Prelude name.
In everyday driving the car feels smooth and responsive enough, yet when you ask for everything it has, there’s never that satisfying surge you’d hope for from something with such overtly sporting styling. It’s a powertrain that suits the car’s calm, gliding brief, but leaves a gap between the way it looks and the way it accelerates.
Honda’s solution to the familiar “CVT feel” problem is the new S+ Shift system, which simulates virtual gear changes using the paddles on the steering wheel. Engaged, it brings a more familiar rhythm to acceleration, with distinct ‘steps’ and a more assertive engine note instead of continuous rev flare.
It works better than you’d expect: the timing of each faux upshift and the way the sound builds have clearly been calibrated by people who care about how a car feels to drive. Even so, you’re always aware that you’re dealing with a clever simulation rather than a genuinely hard‑charging powertrain. Enthusiasts will likely appreciate the extra involvement, but some may be left wanting more outright pace to go with the noise and theatre.
Chassis-wise, the Prelude is more convincing. There’s technology transfer from the Civic Type R in the suspension hardware and adaptive dampers, and it shows. The car feels nicely tied down without being crashy, with good control over body movements and very respectable ride quality for something sitting on 19‑inch wheels.
Steering is accurate and well weighted, giving you confidence on a twisty road. What stands out most is the sense of composure: the Prelude feels planted, predictable and happy to carry speed through flowing bends.
If it isn’t already, Honda should seriously consider making a more performance-orientated version of the Prelude, with at least another 75hp added to the current output.
In that sense, let’s hope this vehicle is a prelude to something more powerful!
Honda Prelude Advance
POWERTRAIN: 2.0-litre e:HEV full hybrid
POWER: 184PS / 135kW
TORQUE: 315Nm
0-62MPH: 8.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 117mph
FUEL ECONOMY: 54.3mpg combined (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 117g/km combined
PRICE: £40,180
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