Honda Prelude | Howards Motor Group

After a 25-year hiatus, the Honda Prelude has returned to UK showrooms, reimagined as a sleek hybrid sports coupe. The rebirth of this iconic nameplate marks a new chapter in Honda’s performance heritage, blending electrification with the brand’s long-standing commitment to driving pleasure.

The Honda Prelude first arrived on British shores in 1979, positioned as a stylish alternative to the Ford Capri and VW Scirocco. It was Honda’s first mainstream model to feature an electric sunroof as standard, setting the tone for a car that would become a showcase for the company’s technological prowess.

First Generation of Prelude (1978-1982)

The original Prelude borrowed heavily from the Accord, offering a front-wheel-drive layout, a 1.6–1.8L engine, and a five-speed manual or Hondamatic semi-auto gearbox. While modest in performance, its low stance and refined build quality made it a hit among enthusiasts seeking something different.

Black Honda coupe car with orange interior, side view.

Red modern car and white classic car side by side in a minimalistic setting.

Second Generation of Prelude (1983-1987)

The 1980s brought pop-up headlights, sleeker styling, and more power. The introduction of fuel injection and Honda’s early anti-lock braking system (ALB) cemented the Prelude’s reputation as a tech leader.

Third Generation of Prelude (1988-1991)

This era was a turning point. Honda introduced four-wheel steering (4WS), a world-first in a mass-produced car, giving the Prelude handling agility that rivaled sports cars costing twice as much.

Dark-coloured 1980s coupe parked on a dark surface with visible car details.

Silver coupe car parked on grass with a sunset in the background.

Fourth & Fifth Generation of Prelude (1992-2001)

The 1990s saw the arrival of VTEC engines, delivering up to 200 hp and a thrilling high-rev character. The fifth generation added Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS), Honda’s early torque-vectoring tech. Despite critical acclaim, changing market tastes led to the Prelude’s discontinuation in 2001.

The 2026 Honda Prelude: Electrified Performance for a New Era

Unveiled at the Lyon Motor Show 2025, the sixth-generation Prelude is a full hybrid sports coupe built on Honda’s latest e:HEV platform. It combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with dual electric motors, producing around 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque.

Performance: 0–62 mph in approx. 8.2 seconds; top speed 117 mph
Economy: 46 mpg combined (WLTP)
Price: From £39,595 in the UK, with first deliveries expected in April 2026
Design: A three-door liftback coupe with a long-hood/short-deck profile, 19-inch alloys, and full-width LED taillights inspired by the NSX
Interior: Driver-focused cabin with high-bolstered seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and Honda’s new S+ Shift mode simulating rapid gear changes
Tech: Honda SENSING safety suite, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and Google-integrated infotainment

The Prelude’s return is more than a revival; it’s a statement that coupes still have a place in a world of crossovers. While purists may lament the absence of a manual gearbox or a Type R engine, Honda insists the new Prelude delivers “the joy of driving” in an electrified age.

Honda Prelude: From 1978 Icon to 2026 Hybrid Revival

The 2026 Honda Prelude: Electrified Performance for a New Era