New Honda Prelude Confirmed for the UK

Honda is remaining tight-lipped about the details, however, the Prelude is anticipated to use the FL5 Civic platform as its base, making the Civic’s e:HEV petrol-hybrid system the likely candidate for the powertrain. Mating a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a pair of electric motors, e:HEV produces 181 bhp and is capable of 56.5 mpg.

The output might be cranked up for the Prelude, but again, there has been no confirmation, and the same goes for a possible Type R variant. Utilising the Civic platform also means the Prelude will be front-wheel-drive, with a lightweight aluminium subframe featuring double-wishbone front suspension and the possibility of 20” alloy wheels and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Given the new Prelude is likely to face off against the superlative rear-wheel-drive Toyota GR 86 and to a lesser extent the BMW 2-series, having such hardware in its arsenal will prove essential. The Prelude certainly looks the part with its minimalist lines and long, dramatically sloping roof line. Honda has openly stated the Prelude will be aimed at a younger generation of buyers as the brand looks towards an all-EV and hydrogen line-up by 2040. Indeed, the word 'prelude' means an 'introductory or preceding performance'.

The interior of the Prelude has not yet been revealed, but Honda is promising it will be driver-centric, with a mixture of screens and physical buttons for all the major controls. Again, expect it to be inspired by the Civic, which has garnered critical acclaim for its quality materials and overall aesthetics.

First shown in concept form at the Japan Mobility Show last year, the new Prelude will make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11-14 July. Official imports are set to arrive “in the mid-2020s”. Missing out on the Integra coupe was tough for UK Honda enthusiasts, but hopefully, the new Prelude will go a long way to appease fans of the Japanese marque with this revival of an iconic nameplate.