Honda’s iconic sports coupe is staging a comeback, this time with an electrified edge.
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) will open pre-selling for the all-new Honda Prelude on Friday, February 27, reintroducing the storied nameplate to the local market 25 years after it was discontinued globally.
The revival positions the Prelude as a hybrid-powered touring coupe that blends nostalgia with next-generation performance technology.
Built around the concept of “Unlimited Glide,” the two-door model features a low stance, sleek proportions and clean outward visibility engineered for long-distance comfort.
Underneath, suspension components derived from the Honda Civic Type R sharpen handling while maintaining ride refinement — signaling Honda’s intent to market the Prelude as a grand tourer rather than a stripped-down track machine.
A headline feature is Honda’s new S+ Shift technology, designed to heighten hybrid driving engagement. Unlike traditional paddle shifters that adjust regenerative braking, the system simulates gear changes through synchronized meter displays, synthesized engine notes and even tactile seat feedback, creating a sportier feel without sacrificing efficiency.
The Prelude runs on Honda’s 2.0-liter e:HEV full hybrid system paired with an E-CVT, delivering a combined 25.6 km/LGe based on Department of Energy certification. It will be offered locally in a single 2.0 e:HEV E-CVT variant.
Available colors include Moonlit White Pearl, Rallye Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
For HCPI, the Prelude’s return is a strategic test of whether electrified performance coupes can thrive in a Philippine market increasingly driven by efficiency and sustainability.
