After years of teasing, Honda has finally confirmed that the new sixth-generation Prelude will be launched in Japan in September – nearly two years after it was revealed at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Returning to market some 24 years after the departure of the previous car, the sporty coupé is being reborn as a hybrid with some interesting new technologies.
Looking pretty much identical to the show car, the new Prelude features an “Unlimited Glide” design, obviously inspired by the weightless look of a glider. Nowhere is this more evident than in the front end, which features a “wing” framed by L-shaped headlights and slim grille. The upswept shoulder line, downwards-sloping flanks and sweeping low-slung roof emphasise the car’s rear, which gets full-width taillights.
Elsewhere, you’ll find flush door handles, and what appears to be a small boot lid is actually a large tailgate to aid cargo bay access; luggage space can be expanded by folding the split rear seats. Another cue taken from the concept are blue highlights on the split front air intake, rear valance and brake callipers.
Buyers can choose from four colours, including Moonlit White Pearl, first seen on the Acura Performance EV Concept, along with Meteoroid Grey Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Flame Red. The Prelude will launch in Japan in a limited-run Honda On special edition in Moonlit White Pearl with a black roof, similar to the concept.
Inside, the Prelude is very similar to the Civic – not surprising, given that it is based on the sedan. You get the same 10.25-inch digital instrument display and nine-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen, similar three-spoke steering wheel and buttons, mesh-covered air vents and chunky physical air-con control knobs.
There are some subtle differences, of course. Unlike any 11th-generation Civic (not even the hot Type R), the Prelude uses a flat-bottomed steering wheel, replete with a 12 o’clock marker. The air vents are also smaller and hexagon-shaped instead of taking up the entire width of the car.
But it’s on the tall centre console where the biggest difference lies. Here, you’ll find a push-button gear selector that’s typical of Honda hybrids overseas (not here), running right down the middle. It’s flanked by a parking brake button on the right and the drive mode selector and a massive S+ button on the left, with the cupholders placed further aft. Also fitted are what appear to be nicely supportive bucket seats with distinctive high shoulders, upholstered in either black or a fetching two-tone white and dark blue.
Not much is yet known about the Prelude, but Honda has revealed that the car will get the company’s latest e:HEV hybrid technology, consisting of new, more efficient 1.5 litre and 2.0 litre direct injected engines and a smaller electric drive motor.
The centrepiece technology is a new S+ Shift mode, which simulates gearshifts in a similar fashion to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It’s also been reported that the car will get the Civic Type R’s torque steer-reducing dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension and adaptive dampers.
Interestingly for us Malaysians, Honda is currently showing the Prelude at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), hinting that it could be sold in ASEAN. Honda Malaysia is, of course, no stranger to selling special models here, most notably a succession of Civic Type R generations starting with the FD2. Are you excited at the prospect of being able to buy the new Prelude? Sound off in the comments.
GALLERY: Honda Prelude at GIIAS 2025
