The most nostalgic among you will undoubtedly remember the famous Honda Prelude, one of the brand’s flagship models from its early days in 1979 to the end of its fifth generation in 2001. Last year, at the Japan Mobility Show, Honda brought the Prelude back into the spotlight by announcing the return of the iconic model, now nearly fifty years old. Although the sports coupe is far from current tastes, at least in North America, its sixth generation promises to bring a breath of fresh air to a market dominated by SUVs and large vehicles.
Will It Come to Canada?
Over the past year, the new Prelude has gone from a mere concept to a reality, as we learned more about its look and, most importantly, its mechanics. Just before the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, at the beginning of July, the company even confirmed what we already suspected: the model will soon enter production and should be available as early as next year. For now, the Japanese manufacturer has only confirmed its entry into the European market, but we also hope to be able to acquire it here.
No Electric Powertrain
It also seems that Honda continues its efforts to reduce the emissions produced by its vehicles. According to one of the manufacturer's spokespersons, Andrew Quillin, the new Prelude will be a hybrid. This is already a step forward, but I am rather surprised that it is not a 100% electric model, especially since the manufacturer itself has announced that the Prelude will serve as the basis for its future electrified models. In any case, enthusiasts are already speculating about the exact nature of the powertrain, notably by observing that of the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. If the Prelude uses the same platform as its cousin, it could therefore share its 200-horsepower engine block.
In terms of appearance, it’s impossible to judge without comparing the new model with its predecessor. Although it has moved from a distinctly 20th-century look to a more modern silhouette than ever, you can still see traces of the past in the design of the sixth generation. All rounded and smooth, the updated vehicle still has a distinctive two-door design and a low profile. Even the rear spoiler has been retained, although it is more discreet than the one from the late 1990s. Will the revamped Prelude be as sporty as its predecessor? In terms of performance, I doubt it, but in terms of attitude, I’m certain it will!
