Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has officially launched the Honda Prelude, a sophisticated hybrid coupe that serves as a grand tourer, bridging nostalgic, well-loved heritage with new technology tailored for today’s market.
Unlimited Glide Design Concept
Designed with the concept of ‘Unlimited Glide’, the Honda Prelude is engineered to provide a comfortable experience that makes its driver want to keep driving. It combines low height, light proportions, and increased visibility to make every trip more enjoyable. It is a balance of composed comfort, responsive handling, and an engaging drive, making it a capable and refined touring car.
Exterior
Through the Prelude, Honda has created a new-generation sporty model, seamlessly blending specialty and everyday practicality. Its low, wide stance and enchanting proportions provide 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 for owners. It is a symbol of Honda’s hope for a new hybrid sports worldview, breaking free from the traditional norms of a sports car.
Interior
Inside, owners can enjoy a comfortable and functional cabin featuring 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 more comfortable grip for both normal and long-distance driving, no matter where the driver’s hands are positioned.
A floating 10.2-Inch TFT LCD instrument panel provides greater visibility and a lighter feel. This design makes it easier to focus, giving a greater sense of control over the car. 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.
Enhancing every journey, no matter the destination, is 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 hatchback-style tailgate facilitates easier loading and unloading, revealing a cargo area that expands from 264 to 760 liters. This makes it spacious enough for two large (78cm) soft suitcases, two golf bags, or two surfboards.
Drivetrain
The Prelude is powered by a 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine integrated with Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid system. It produces a maximum power output of 141PS at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 182Nm from 4,500rpm, achieving a fuel efficiency of 25.6km/LGe (based on DOE certification).
Each drive is elevated by several suspension components derived from the Civic Type R, resulting in similar handling while providing greater ride comfort. Friction in its suspension system has been reduced, allowing for a more flexible response at each turn of the steering wheel.
Lastly, the new Coasting Control, activated via the paddle shifters, allows the car to coast to a stop without regenerative braking, further improving fuel economy.
Honda S+ Shift System (NEW)
With four selectable drive modes (Individual, Sport, GT, and Comfort), the Honda Prelude can adapt its suspension to suit the driver’s needs, allowing occupants to enjoy both comfort and sportiness. These modes are further enhanced by the new Honda S+ Shift technology, which appeals to the senses and is only available 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 era of Honda’s fun-to-drive nature.
Through this, Honda reinforces its commitment to always bringing the excitement and joy of driving to its customers.
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 of a dual-clutch transmission without compromising the economic benefits of its hybrid powertrain.
Honda SENSING, Honda CONNECT, Google Automotive Services
The Honda Prelude is a full package offering the best of Honda. While the new S+ Shift technology makes its debut on this special model, 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 application 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, occupants can also request commands for their car during the journey without taking their eyes off the road, making every drive safer for all.
Extended Warranty Program
A new customer-forward initiative from HCPI has also been announced, the Extended Warranty Program, pioneered by the Honda Prelude. This allows owners to worry less about potential repair costs and helps preserve the unit’s value over time. Customers who purchase the Prelude can now enjoy a vehicle warranty of 5 years/150,000 kilometers, and a battery warranty of 8 years/160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first for each.
This is Honda’s way to provide customers with added peace of mind and an improvement of the overall customer journey and experience of being a Honda owner.
Available Variant, Colors, and Suggested Retail Price (SRP)
The Honda Prelude is available in a single variant: 2.0 e:HEV E-CVT, and comes in 5 colors:
- Moonlit White Pearl (new and exclusive to Prelude) – additional PHP30,000
- Rallye Red
- Racing Blue Pearl
- Meteoroid Gray Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
The Honda Prelude is available for purchase now at a suggested retail price of PHP3,498,000.