Rolling in a pleasure car becomes more and more elitist with deterrent taxes and ever higher prices. A phenomenon that gradually removes the coupes from the offers from generalist and then premium marks. But A manufacturer resists With an unexpected decision to say the least by resuscitating a model formerly symbol of innovation outside the world of hyper-sporting. His name: Honda Prelude.
The concept introduced to the Tokyo Motor Show in the fall of 2023 announced the return of the appellation used for the first time by the Japanese brand in 1978. The car employed at the time the Civic platform before opting for chassis close to those of the Agreement sedan. For the sixth of the name, Honda takes up the initial idea. What to make him adopt Hybrid mechanics Favorable to measured CO2 discharges, but also a more compact size than that of the previous generation. The 6G prelude is approximately 4.3 meters long. It is placed on the dimensions side a little above a Toyota GR86 (4.27 m) and clearly below a Ford Mustang (4.81 m).
A futuristic look, but not too much
In terms of design, the Honda Prelude also adopts a hybrid philosophy there. His bow posters a prominent nose Quite particular while his stern plays the sobriety card with a simple red line as lighting. His gaze will not appeal to everyone, but the whole works quite in profile with A slender car and slightly dug sides Near the rocker panels. No need to look for a hatch to connect a charging cable. The battery with non -formalized capacity for the moment is managed independently in the same way as in the Civic.
On board, We appreciate the minimalism of the presentation. Digital instrumentation is readable, while the infotainment screen adopts suitable dimensions. The cabin is not particularly warm, but the assemblies are neat.
Just under 200 horsepower under the hood?
For this handling, Honda invites us to make Three laps on the very fast circuit of Thruxton Located in Hampshire. The first is realized in “GT” mode, the second in “sport” and the last in “comfort”. Enough to get an idea of the different facets of the coupe and discover the S+ Shift system simulating gear passages via a neat sound atmosphere and torque effects. As a reminder, The Honda Prelude 6G is animated by a 2.0L petrol block associated with two electric motors. Although the figures are not yet officially revealed, it is estimated to be based on the technical sheet of the hybrid civic that the cumulative power reaches About 184 horsepower for 315 nm of torque.
Leaving the lane of the stands, for the first loop in GT mode, the Honda Prelude is flexible with a pleasant purring as a sound background. Configuration intended for rolls sunk on the departmental, the atmospheric engine helped by its boosted counterparts responds fluidity without ever becoming really angry. The epicycloidal train box never gives the impression of unpleasantly skating in a vacuum like the old CVTs. A good point for this transmission which promises with the S+ Shift dynamic sensations like “attack on the red zone”. The second round approaches with the possibility of seeing what is going on when we shake up the coupe.
Compliant with its lineage
Sport mode further increases the sound level in the passenger compartment, the instrumentation becomes red and The steering wheel palettes transmit in a flash in the box the feeling of torque to distribute for the best possible immersion. Vehicle intended to take the climb of the Goodwood Festival of Speed the next day, driving aids are connected to avoid the slightest shirt. Auto is placed with serenity In the entrance to the turns, little comes to the brakes and then go out with panache of the curves. A reassuring behavior that places the prelude in the category of small GTs rather than that of sportswoman to whip. A state of mind ultimately close to previous version, the large template less. Fun detail: The seats offer a good maintenance worthy of a more muscular car.
The straight line is looming for a new fashion change: Comfort. A moment that reveals how much The prelude is well soundproofed. No noise is heard in the passenger compartment. The Honda seems to fly over the road. The response to the accelerator will soften with in parallel a couple which is more generously deployed than in GT. A mode that ensures voluntary departures in town in traffic without having to roar the engine. Ultimately, the prelude associates in this context the approval of an electric and the versatility of a thermal. A real daily asset in the face of competition.
An always unique positioning
Before climbing this Honda Prelude to the energetic presentation, one wonders if the trip will be eventful or peaceful. The coupe manages to skillfully mix the two worlds with a more marked taste for serene journeys. The early Hondaïstes will be won over from the return of the Prelude, while the Roadster fans will undoubtedly sign for a Mazda MX-5. Thanks-ou because of the malus, competition is intended in France very limited in this segment. See you at the beginning of 2026 To find out all about the figures and prices of the Honda Prelude 6G.