THE MUCH-LOVED HONDA PRELUDE IS BACK FOR 2026 – NOT IN SA, BUT A RETURN IS A RETURN.
Honda has officially revived one of its most evocative nameplates - the Prelude. The all-new 2026 Honda Prelude has made its North American debut, bringing with it a fresh take on the classic sports coupe formula: a sleek, driver-focused grand tourer that blends Honda’s proven hybrid technology with serious Type R chassis hardware. For those who remember, the Prelude first appeared in 1978 as Honda’s stylish, tech-packed two-door coupe. Across five generations, it built a loyal following with its rev-happy four-cylinder engines, crisp handling, and technology like four-wheel steering. It became a darling of the ‘80s and ‘90s performance scene, with the final fifth-generation model bowing out in 2001. Since then, the Prelude name has been dormant, leaving enthusiasts to pine for its return. Until now. Honda hasn’t just dusted off the badge; they’ve reimagined the Prelude for a new generation.
The new Prelude is the first-ever electrified model to wear the name, powered by Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric system paired with a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine. The result? 147 kW and 315 Nm of torque - plenty for spirited acceleration and that signature Honda zing. But where it really gets interesting is under the skin. Borrowing heavily from the Civic Type R, the Prelude features a dual-axis strut front suspension, wide tracks, Brembo brakes, and an adaptive damper system tuned exclusively for this coupe. Honda has also introduced a brand-new S+ Shift mode, a clever drive system that simulates performance gear changes with rev-matched downshifts, throttle blips, and even enhanced engine sounds - designed to bring back some of the drama and engagement of a manual gearbox in this hybrid era.
The 2026 Prelude is sleek, muscular, and unmistakably Japanese in its proportions. A low, sharp nose leads into a smooth coupe silhouette, capped by a racy “double-bubble” roof and flared fenders hugging 19-inch Berlina Black alloys. Flush door handles, laser-brazed roof seams, and blue-highlighted Brembo calipers add to the coupe’s clean but assertive look. Inside, it’s pure Honda driver focus with a GT twist. A low cowl and slim A-pillars deliver excellent visibility, while premium sport seats with houndstooth perforation, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and alloy paddles bring in the performance vibe. Blue stitching and detailing tie the cabin to the exterior accents, while modern tech - a 10.2-inch digital cluster, 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose premium audio, and wireless charging - makes sure it’s as connected as it is fun.
Honda knows that reviving the Prelude isn’t just about making another coupe - it’s about respecting its legacy. From the crisp 2.2 VTiR models of the ‘90s to the final 2001 swansong, the Prelude always stood for an attainable yet sophisticated Honda sports car. The new one aims to deliver the same sense of balance: a car that’s equally at home carving up a back road as it is doing the daily commute. And while it’s unlikely we’ll see it officially in South Africa, it’s good to know the Prelude lives again, this time ready to win over a new generation of drivers with a mix of electrification, innovation, and just enough nostalgia to stir the soul. Honda says it best: this isn’t just a coupe. It’s the Prelude to a new chapter in Honda performance.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows the Redline Reviews chap give an in-depth walk around of this all-new Prelude. Will it live up to the OG?: The 2026 Honda Prelude Is The Reincarnation Of An Iconic Sport Coupe With Hybrid Power | Redline Reviews
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