Why buy the Honda Prelude?

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) is poised to unleash the all-new Prelude soon. 

At the time of writing, the company has put a sticker price on the hybrid two-door coupe and started taking in pre-orders for the upcoming nameplate. And although many customers were not expecting the P3.498-million tag, there is no denying that — what is pegged to be the replacement of the Honda Civic Type R — the all-new Prelude will command attention, at the very least, among enthusiasts. 

On that note, we made a short list talking about why you should consider the all-new Honda Prelude if you’re in the market for a performance-oriented ride. 

Hybrid powertrain 

Per HCPI, the all-new Honda Prelude will be equipped with the brand’s e:HEV full hybrid system. While the full details of the electrified powertrain are yet to be released by the Japanese carmaker’s local subsidiary, the Department of Energy (DOE) published approved specifications of the hybrid system. 

According to the agency, the forthcoming model will use a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and will be paired with an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. 

The internal combustion engine makes 139 horsepower (hp) and 182 Newton-meters of torque, while the electric motor generates 181 hp and 315 Nm. Acceleration speed from zero to 100 kilometers per hour is 8.2 seconds. 

It gets an electric continuously variable transmission with a shift-by-wire system with paddle shifters. Power is sent to the front wheels. 

We agree that these numbers won’t win Honda any awards. In fact, if you pit the all-new Honda Prelude against its rivals, its performance figures do not impress at all. Here is a quick look at how it stacks up against other sporty cars: 

Toyota GR 86	233 hp
Subaru BRZ	233 hp
Nissan Z	377 hp
Ford Mustang	314 hp
Hyundai Elantra N	276 hp

Its edge over the competition would be its efficiency, as HCPI stated that the all-new Honda Prelude has a combined fuel economy performance of 25.6 kilometers per liter of gas equivalent based on the certification issued by the DOE. 

As a result, would-be owners can fully enjoy the fun-to-drive car and focus on their journeys without worries. 

Further, the electrified powertrain entitles buyers to the perks granted by the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act — like exemption from the number coding scheme. 

Other stories: Honda Foundation renews alliance with Tamang Ride PH PH not affected by Subaru fuel system recall in North America, MIPI assures Toyota delivers more than 11-M cars worldwide for 2025

Fun-to-drive coupe 

With a focus on making the all-new Honda Prelude a fun-to-drive car, Philippine market models will come fitted with S+ Shift technology. 

HCPI explains that it will allow drivers to use the paddle shifters — which, on Honda’s hybrid models, are traditionally used to select between levels of regenerative braking — to “shift gears virtually.” 

It produces visual, audio, and tactile signals such as meter display changes, virtual engine sounds, and seat vibrations to create a more engaging driving experience. 

When activated, the right paddle shifter simulates upshifts while the left paddle mimics rev-matched downshifts. It also transforms the instrument cluster, changing the power gauge into a tachometer with a simulated gear indicator, adding a visual cue to match the elevated performance feel. 

The S+ Shift technology appears to be slapped into the coupe to balance out performance and practicality. You get good efficiency with the hybrid powertrain, then get a dose of excitement when the S+ Shift is activated. 

Zigwheels Philippines was able to test drive the all-new Honda Prelude in a test track in Japan. You can check out our first impressions after we took it out for a spin in the video below: 

Practical daily driver 

While it does have performance in its DNA that would make it a great weekend car, those looking to purchase the all-new Honda Prelude will still find it a an eye-catching daily driver. 

Sure, you only have two doors and somewhat limited seating, but HCPI said that the interior can be configured to offer “ample cargo space and a comfortable cabin enough for groceries, two golf bags, and even two surfboards.” 

While the spaciousness of the interior cabin is subjective and is yet to be tested, having the capacity for golf bags and surfboards (items that are not on the small side of the athletic gear spectrum) means that the all-new Honda Prelude can actually keep up with the active lifestyles of sporty car buyers. 

With that much space to work with, we think that dads, too, (since those who grew up in the 90s are the likely market for the model) can squeeze in a medium-sized stroller, accompanied by a small baby bag for a change of nappies. 

And again, we revert to a supposed good fuel economy rating, further reinforcing the practicality of the all-new Honda Prelude. 

These should get the approval of the missus, should husbands ever propose getting the coupe as a “practical family car.” 

HRC kits, Citizen watch 

Those who feel like the design language of the all-new Honda Prelude looks a bit tamed (or maybe those who plan to take it to the circuits) can expect the possibility of having performance kits from none other than Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). 

During the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, Honda presented the Prelude HRC Concept, which is fitted with body kits from the brand’s official racing outfit. 

The appointments, which we spotted based on the photo from the carmaker, include the below: 

• Front lip/diffuser 
• Honeycomb grille 
• Front air vents 
• Side skirts 
• Rear diffuser 
• Rear spoiler 
• Side mirror garnish 
• Wheels
• Brakes 

Should these be made available for public purchase, they could spike the character of the coupe and hopefully be available to Filipino enthusiasts. 

While not an HRC-made item, the latest collaboration Honda did with Citizen — the Japanese watchmaker — allows would-be owners to get additional swag while they ride the all-new Prelude. 

The said timepiece is based on the Citizen ANA-DIGI TEMP watch by the said brand and has the following specifications: 

• Perpetual calendar 
• Illumination
• Day and date display
• Quick date correction function
• 12/24 hour display switching function
• 1/1000 second chronograph (12-hour counter)
• Dual time function
• Thermometer function 
• Alarm 
• Time signal 

Cool like Cena 

Finally, the all-new Honda Prelude is the coupe of choice for retired World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler, actor, and just overall good dude John Cena. 

Cena even took it to Instagram and posted his keys with what appears to be a small key chain plushie. 

On his post, Honda United States’ official Instagram page wittingly replied, “We can’t see him, but we can see that all-new Honda Prelude.” 

Also read:

Honda PH, Honda Foundation pens pact to promote road safety

Honda launches tree planting program in Laguna

Inaugural Honda Road Safety Summit part of global effort to minimize traffic-related fatalities

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