Honda starts next-gen Prelude sales

MANILA: Honda Motor Corporation Limited has officially launched the next-generation Prelude in its home market. It makes its return after its last version was discontinued in 2001 - around 24 years ago. 

With Japanese Domestic Market sales starting on September 5, 2025, the all-new Honda Prelude is poised to provide the “joy of driving” in the midst of the rise of electrified vehicles. The Prelude itself, after all, sports a hybrid powertrain, although the Japanese marque promises that it can provide an engaging drive as a “specialty hybrid sports model.” 

So, what is the Honda Prelude offering exactly? Let’s find out here. 

Powertrain

Propelling the next-gen Honda Prelude is the Japanese manufacturer’s e:hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system paired with the Honda S+ Shift control technology. Essentially, it's a 2.0-liter gasoline mill paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission that’s able to simulate an eight-speed automatic. The aforementioned can be manipulated using paddle shifters and can be activated by a dedicated “S+” button mounted on the car’s center console. 

For now, Honda has yet to publish output figures for the all-new Prelude, but it was indicated that it is a front-wheel-drive model.

Working in tandem with the Honda S+ Shift Control is a Coasting Control system, allowing for a simulated deceleration as if the vehicle were in neutral. Additionally, the model has Sport, Grand Touring, and Comfort modes for optimal performance, although the Prelude also allows for individual customization for the car’s powertrain, steering, suspension, engine sound, and adaptive cruise control. 

Moreover, the Prelude uses a chassis based on the Honda Civic Type R. It also boasts the following mechanical components: 

• Dual-axis strut front suspension
• Adaptive damper system
• Front and rear Brembo brakes
• 19-inch high-rigidity wheels with noise-reducing design

Exterior

Appearance-wise, the next-gen Honda Prelude comes with a long-slung, but mostly smooth body that doesn’t have much in the way of sharp edges. Up front, it does get a pointed nose and a sizable lower front vent, and a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamps with adaptive beams and active cornering lamps. 

If viewed from the side, the Prelude comes with a smooth and clean roofline that Honda says was achieved by avoiding the use of roof molding. The aforementioned is complemented by a teardrop-shaped window line, flush door handles, and bulging rear haunches. The rear also has a black-colored diffuser and rear bumper that again, doesn’t have too many nooks and crannies. 

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Once available in the Japanese market, the all-new Honda Prelude may come in the following color options: 

• Moonlit White Pearl
• Meteoroid Gray Metallic
• Crystal Black Pearl
• Flame Red

As discussed in the design preview of the Honda Prelude, a special limited-edition version gets a black-colored roof. Otherwise, all versions come with blue-colored details on their front and rear bumpers, as well as a set of blue Brembo brake calipers. 

Interior

For now, Honda has not shared the complete features list of the next-gen Prelude. It was disclosed, however, that its dashboard houses a nine-inch infotainment display with built-in Google software such as Google Maps, Play, and Assistant. The said screen is linked to an eight-piece Bose sound system. 

Likewise highlighted by Honda is the Prelude’s seats. The driver’s seat is touted to be able to provide ample bolstering, while the passenger seat strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. 

Similar to the exterior, the cockpit of the electrified Honda also has additional visual appeal through its tri-tone blue, black, and white color combination. Splashes of blue are present on its stitching and select interior components, but a majority of its dashboard, seats, and interior door cards use black and white. 

As presented by Honda’s published pictures of the Prelude’s interior, it also comes with the following:

• 12-volt accessory outlet
• USB ports
• Multi-function flat-bottom leather steering wheel
• Electronic parking brake
• Physical (knob) air-conditioning controls
• Digital gauge cluster

To note, the all-new Prelude, like its predecessors, is a 2+2 coupe. The one that debuted for Japan has 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Moreover, Honda says that the model can offer a space that can fit up to two surfboards with the rear seats folded down. 

Safety

Safety-wise, the next-generation Prelude was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assist systems. The aforementioned includes the following: 

• Collision mitigation braking
• Collition mitigation throttle control
• Rear collision mitigation throttle control
• Low speed brake function
• Pedestrian collision mitigation steering 
• Road departure mitigation system
• Adaptive cruise control with low speed follow
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic jam assist
• Lead car departure notification system
• Adaptive driving beams
• Blind spot information system
• Parking sensor system
• Unintended acceleration mitigation

Honda Prelude pricing

Per Honda, the Prelude will go on sale in Japan on September 5, 2025. Production of the said model will be limited to 300 units per month. 

Price-wise, the Japanese market Honda Prelude starts at JPY 6,179,800, or around P2.4 million at current exchange rates. 

Also read:

Honda Civic Type R takes final bow in PH

Honda Cars PH welcomes Aug. with "Live Your Dream, Drive Forward" campaign

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