Honda Malaysia teases the Prelude coupe, local debut on the cards?

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda is celebrating its 25th anniversary of operation in Malaysia this year, with a series of initiatives marking this milestone. The company first rolled out a special “Because of You” campaign, followed by the launch of the limited-edition Honda CR-V Dual-Tone Edition. And now it has released a celebratory video on its social media platforms, featuring a cameo appearance of the Honda Prelude. 

The teaser suggests that this two-door coupe may soon be introduced to the local market. Notably, Honda offered us a preview of the Prelude concept at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show last year.

Marking the return of the iconic nameplate, the all-new Honda Prelude went on sale in Japan earlier this year. Let’s check out the key highlights.

Honda Prelude: Key highlights

Exterior

The vehicle has a low, sharp front nose with expressive body lines, a black chrome grille, and wing-style headlamps along with Active Cornering Light and Adaptive Driving Beam. Other key highlights include - a smooth roofline, a glass-printed antenna, blue accents on the front and rear, and flush door handles.

Available colour choices are - Moonlit White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Frame Red.

Interior

Inside, there is a light and comfortable cabin sprayed with Blue and White shades. It features soft-touch materials and uniquely designed seats with firm support on the driver seat for sportier driving. Other key highlights include -

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster  
• 9.0-inch infotainment unit with with Google built-in
• Embroidered Prelude logo
• Wide horizontal view, flat-bottom steering wheel
• Alloy paddle shifters
• Door lining designed for smooth leg movement during ingress and egress
• 8-speaker Bose Premium Sound system

Drivetrain

The coupe is powered by an e:HEV hybrid powertrain that comprises a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, generating a maximum power of 141 hp and a peak torque of 182 Nm. It is paired with a traction motor that produces 184 hp and 315 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.

Notably, it is the first Honda model that features e:HEV with S+ Shift control; this tech simulates a virtual 8-speed transmission and controls engine rpm during acceleration and deceleration, delivering a sharp gear feel. Three distinctive drive modes are - Sport, GT and Comfort.

Ride and handling 

Based on the chassis of the Civic Type R, the Honda Prelude is designed for pure sports performance. It features “dedicated settings to achieve both responsive handling and a smooth ride, achieving a chassis befitting a specialty sports model.”

The suspension setup comprises dual-axis strut at the front, which promises exceptional handling; it is mated with an adaptive damper system that precisely controls damping forces. The vehicle rides on 19-inch high-rigidity wheels with a noise-reducing design, paired with high-capacity front Brembo brakes to enhance driver confidence.

Additionally, the new Prelude also features the enhanced Honda Agile Handling Assist for improved steering responsiveness and stability during cornering.

Safety

As for safety, the Prelude comes equipped with Honda Sensing ADAS pack with a Prelude-exclusive setting that offers a natural control for a comfortable ride. The pack combines -

• Collision Mitigation Braking System 
• Collision Mitigation Throttle Control
• Rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control
• Low Speed Brake Function
• Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Lead Car Departure Notification System
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Adoptive Driving Beam Headlights
• Blind Spot Information System
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Parking Sensor System
• Unintended Acceleration Mitigation

The new Honda Prelude price starts from JPY 6,179,800 in Japan, which is approximately equal to RM 177k.

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