Honda has revealed full details for its revival of the Honda Prelude nameplate, which returns to the UK market after a 25-year hiatus.
The launch of the Honda Prelude e:HEV sees the Japanese firm mount a comeback to a sports coupe segment it has frequented since 2001.
This time around, however, it will do so with a hybrid powertrain, while this sixth-generation Prelude will also boast suspension settings inspired by the high-performance Civic Type-R.
The sleek design is said to be reminiscent of gliders, which is reflective of the Prelude’s aerodynamic efficiency and is responsible for its crisp, elegant silhouette.
It is also notable for its low, wide stance, which is accentuated by a short wheelbase that gives a clue as towards its focus on dynamic performance.
Indeed, the Prelude has taken inspiration from the latest generation Honda Civic Type-R – regarded by many to be one of the finest handling front-wheel drive cars ever made – with similar suspension technology fettled to ensure a balance of agile handling and cosseting comfort.
Under the bonnet, the Prelude e:HEV mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a lightweight dual electric motor to deliver 181bhp, while returning around 50mpg in fuel economy.
The sporty experience is emphasised further by the choice of four driving modes – Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual (custom) – which finetunes the characteristics of the hybrid powertrain, suspension and steering response accordingly to its setting.
A key attraction of the new Honda Prelude will also be the brand-new Honda S+ Shift gearbox, which makes its production debut in the Japanese-built coupe.
Engineered to simulate the sound, feel and engagement of quick automatic gearchanges, Honda S+ Shift is a virtual eight-speed transmission that can be controlled via steering wheel paddles to allow the driver to shift through gears as per a manual transmission.
When changing down, drivers will also experience a familiar engine braking sensation, providing – it says – ‘even greater throttle control and rev-matching throttle ‘blip’ to match’.
Moreover, it comes with Active Sound Control (ASC) to correlate an engine sound, revs and road speed for a more natural sensation when accelerating.
The Honda Prelude e:HEV will be available to order at Vertu Honda dealerships from November 2025.
It will join a Honda UK line-up that comprises the Jazz, HR-V, Civic, CR-V, ZR-V and e:Ny1.
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- New Cars