Honda’s New Prelude Is Great, But We All Know What It’s Missing
Honda’s revived Prelude is a fun, engaging, and comfortable car that works well as a daily driver and for weekend enjoyment, but its lack of power and excitement holds it back from being truly great.
Key Takeaways
- The new Honda Prelude is a fun and comfortable car that works well as a daily driver and for weekend enjoyment.
- It has a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 104 kW (139 hp) and 186 Nm of torque, and an electric motor with 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft).
- The Prelude uses a so-called ‘e-CVT’ transmission and features Honda’s new S+ Shift system.
- It has a comfortable and neutral handling, but lacks excitement and power.
- The Prelude is priced at AU$65,000 (US$46,600) in Australia and US$43,195 in the US.
What are the Honda Prelude’s specs and features?
The Honda Prelude is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 104 kW (139 hp) and 186 Nm of torque, and an electric motor with 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft). It uses a so-called ‘e-CVT’ transmission and features Honda’s new S+ Shift system. The Prelude also features a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment display with Google Built-in, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Prelude’s interior is comfortable and well-appointed, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats, and a range of premium materials. The car also features a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
How does the Honda Prelude handle and perform?
The Honda Prelude has a comfortable and neutral handling, making it well-suited to both daily driving and weekend enjoyment. However, it lacks excitement and power, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.0 seconds and a lack of grip and acceleration when pushed hard.
The Prelude’s S+ Shift system is designed to mimic the feel of a normal torque converter, and it adds a little something to the driving experience. However, the artificial sounds it produces are not particularly convincing.
What are the Honda Prelude’s strengths and weaknesses?
The Prelude’s strengths include its comfortable and neutral handling, its well-appointed interior, and its range of safety features. However, its lack of power and excitement holds it back from being truly great.
The Prelude is also relatively expensive, priced at AU$65,000 (US$46,600) in Australia and US$43,195 in the US. However, it is worth noting that the car is well-suited to both daily driving and weekend enjoyment, making it a viable option for those who want a fun and comfortable car that can handle a range of tasks.
How does the Honda Prelude compare to its rivals?
The Honda Prelude is positioned as a sports tourer, rather than a traditional sports car. As such, it is competing with cars like the Toyota GR 86, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda MX-5.
While the Prelude is not as focused on performance as these cars, it offers a more comfortable and practical driving experience. However, it is worth noting that the Prelude is not as engaging or exciting to drive as these cars, and its lack of power holds it back from being a truly great driving experience.
Is the Honda Prelude worth buying?
The Honda Prelude is a fun and comfortable car that works well as a daily driver and for weekend enjoyment. However, its lack of power and excitement holds it back from being truly great.
Ultimately, whether or not the Prelude is worth buying will depend on your priorities. If you are looking for a comfortable and practical car that can handle a range of tasks, the Prelude may be a good option. However, if you are looking for a truly exciting and engaging driving experience, you may want to consider other options.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder |
| Power | 104 kW (139 hp) |
| Torque | 186 Nm |
| Electric Motor | 135 kW (181 hp) |
| Electric Motor Torque | 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 7.0 seconds |
| Price (Australia) | AU$65,000 (US$46,600) |
| Price (US) | US$43,195 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Honda Prelude a sports car?
No, the Honda Prelude is positioned as a sports tourer, rather than a traditional sports car.
Q: How much power does the Honda Prelude have?
The Honda Prelude has a combined power output of 149 kW (200 hp).
Q: Is the Honda Prelude worth buying?
Whether or not the Prelude is worth buying will depend on your priorities. If you are looking for a comfortable and practical car that can handle a range of tasks, the Prelude may be a good option. However, if you are looking for a truly exciting and engaging driving experience, you may want to consider other options.
