Honda is injecting more excitement to its lineup with the introduction of the Prelude nameplate to the Philippine market. The cutting-edge coupe—now a PHP 3,498,000 hybrid—is a grand tourer that artfully blends nostalgia and heritage with new technology tailored for today’s market.
In keeping with Honda tradition, the Prelude combines low height, light proportions, and increased visibility to make every drive more enjoyable. Having taken it on a short drive, the Prelude offers a balance of refined comfort, responsive handling, and an engaging drive, making it a thoroughly enjoyable touring car, even for long drives.
Its low, wide stance and athletic proportions provide both inspiring aesthetics and dynamic performance. Blue Brembo brake calipers branded with the Prelude logo and large 19” aluminum wheels enhance its sophisticated and sporty image, while the sleek hatchback design provides added versatility.
Inside, owners can enjoy a comfortable and functional cabin which features a unique asymmetrical seating layout. The driver’s seat is geared towards a sportier feel, while the passenger’s is optimized for relaxation and comfort. The new D-shaped steering wheel, finished with Alcantara material at the 12 o’clock position, provides a comfortable grip for both normal and long-distance driving.
A floating 10.2-inch instrument panel provides greater visibility and lightness. Each journey with the Prelude starts and ends with special on-screen animations, mimicking the appearance of the car’s exterior when started and ‘driving away’ once switched off. The Prelude features an 8-speaker Bose sound system that uses Bose’s Dynamic Speed Compensation to create a concert hall atmosphere inside the cabin.
Despite its sleek profile, the Prelude is also highly practical. The large hatchback opening allows easy loading and unloading, revealing a cargo area that expands from 264 to 760 liters, swallowing two large soft suitcases, two golf bags, or two surfboards.
The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L engine with Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system. It produces 141ps at 6,000 rpm and 182Nm of torque from 4,500 rpm, achieving fuel efficiency of up to 25.6 km/l. The output allows the Prelude to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 7.2 seconds—not your track day scorcher but robust enough for a spirited drive.
Living up to its performance capabilities, the Prelude uses suspension components from no less than the legendary Civic Type R, giving the coupe similar handling, while providing greater ride comfort.
The clever, new Coasting Control, activated using the paddle shifters, allows the car to coast to a stop without regenerative braking, further contributing to improved fuel economy.
Honda S+ Shift System
Through the four selectable drive modes (Individual, Sport, GT, and Comfort), the Prelude can adapt its suspension to fit the driver’s needs, allowing the occupants to enjoy both comfort and sportiness. These modes are further heightened with the new Honda S+ Shift technology which appeals to the senses and is only possible with the Honda e:HEV full hybrid system. In an era where electrified models are perceived to be lacking the heart that an internal combustion engine (ICE) usually provides, the Honda S+ Shift marks the new electrified era of Honda’s fun-to-drive nature.
The Honda S+ Shift links driving force to the actual sound of the engine during deceleration and acceleration, maximizes ‘sight value’ with a tachometer display, and ‘sound value’ through Active Sound Control. The combination of these added elements creates a more fun and engaging driving experience. This delivers the spirited feel and control of a dual-clutch transmission without compromising the fuel economy of its hybrid powertrain.
Honda SENSING, Honda CONNECT, Google Automotive Services
The Prelude boasts high connectivity. While the new S+ Shift technology makes its debut on the Prelude, it also comes with Honda’s mainstay technologies, Honda SENSING, Honda CONNECT, and Google Automotive Services, for added safety, security, and convenience.
Every Honda SENSING feature has been made available on the Prelude:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Low Speed Follow (LSF)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Warning (RDW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
- Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
- Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB)
- Blind Spot Information (BSI)
- Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM)
Meanwhile, Honda CONNECT is a mobile app that allows the owner to control their vehicle remotely. They are also able to receive reminders to bring their car in for its periodic maintenance service. With Google built-in, the occupants also get to request commands for their car during the journey without taking their eyes off the road.
The Prelude pioneers Honda’s new Extended Warranty program. Customers who purchase the Prelude enjoy a vehicle warranty of 5 years/150,000 kilometers, and a battery warranty of 8 years/160,000 kilometers.
The Honda Prelude comes in five colors: Moonlit White Pearl (new and exclusive to Prelude, for additional PHP 30,000), Rallye Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl.
