What we know!

It was last year that Honda first revealed a Prelude Concept, and, despite looking like a production-ready model, Honda did all but confirm the Prelude’s actual return to production. The story now has changed a bit, with Honda’s division of the United Kingdom making it official – the Prelude Concept is heading into production and with gasoline-electric hybrid power!

Before hitting showrooms sometime in 2025, the next-gen Prelude hybrid, a clear celebration of Honda’s 25 years of hybrid production and one of the many new hybrid models planned by Honda for its future lineup, will debut at Goodwood. This unveiling follows last winter’s announcement of the return of the beloved Prelude badge, with this new hybrid featuring an internal combustion engine, likely to be an uprated version of the Civic hybrid’s 2.0-litre four-pot, also known as a “e-HEV.”

When it comes to this Prelude’s power, we do know it is likely going to send a ballpark figure of 200 bhp to the front wheels, with Honda offering up all the assurances that the “joy of driving” will surely remain! It will share components with the Civic and Accord models when it comes to powertrain. To make an educated guess of what to expect in the Prelude, the Accord produces 204 hp from its hybrid setup that incorporates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, although it is hoped the Prelude packs more power!

“The new Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development,” Honda’s chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami noted.

Front-wheel-drive will likely be standard as that has always been the Prelude’s configuration, although an all-wheel-drive version may be offered.

In terms of cost, the Prelude is expected to start at around $31,000 and climb to $38,000 depending on the trim and options. While information on trim levels is still forthcoming, the Prelude will most likely compete with other affordable sports cars including the Toyota GR86 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

With a look that is purely 21st century and serves as a replacement for the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord, the new Prelude speaks to Honda’s stance of noting significant growth with its hybrid offerings. It has become truly the choice standard powertrain for the current generation of cars, including such models as the Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid and more recently, the new Civic Hybrid.

In its move toward continuing its efforts in electrification while adapting to market demand, the Prelude speaks volumes. It also solidifies the fact that hybrids are not only attractive and fun to drive, but that electrification is indeed the wave of the future.

The last Prelude production was back in 2001, when the fifth-generation model rolled off the assembly line, marking a sad day for hardcore Honda enthusiasts and fans of the iconic model. But it did live on in other models, such as the eighth-generation Civic Si coupe, embodying even more of the Prelude’s sportiness.

Back in a hybrid form for the first time in more than two decades and as a renewed sports coupe venture, the all-new Prelude will serve as Honda’s newest halo car and will showcase all that the company can do with this latest hybrid powertrain. It will also carry forth Honda’s stellar reputation for building sport and excellent-handling vehicles, with such features as a double-wishbone front suspension arrangement and a lightweight aluminum subframe with a wide rear track for improved ride and handling, both considered iconic parts linked to the Prelude model.

While facts still remain unknown, such as whether the powertrain will be plug in or not, the new Prelude is undoubtedly the latest chapter in Honda’s ever-evolving hybrid story. Sporty, fun to drive and with environmental advantages to boot, this model is UK bound and the latest chapter!