Honda is set to bring back the Prelude sports coupé to the UK market, targeting younger customers with its sleek design and focus on driver experience. The new Prelude will be Honda’s sixth model line in the UK and the first since the fifth-generation model was discontinued in 2001. It will also be the only front-driven coupé available in the UK, as other models like the Volkswagen Scirocco and Audi TT have been retired.
The CEO of Honda, Toshihiro Mibe, stated that the new Prelude will embody Honda’s sports mindset, with a chassis and engine setup designed for the driver. The car will serve as a halo product for Honda’s lineup of electrified models and showcase their hybrid powertrain technology. While many automakers are focusing on SUVs in the electric and hybrid vehicle market, Honda believes that personal mobility should not be without the joy of driving.
The mechanical details of the new Prelude have not been fully revealed, but it is expected to use a variation of Honda’s e:HEV petrol-hybrid system found in the Civic. The focus during development was on creating a car built around the driver, with attention given to controllability, drivability, and the emotional aspect of the engine. While the Prelude is not simply a track car, it aims to provide a fun and dynamic driving experience.
The exterior design of the Prelude is said to be a key factor in its appeal to younger drivers. The car features clean, aerodynamic surfaces influenced by gliders, with a long, low-slung bonnet and integrated headlights. The interior design is expected to mirror the minimalist exterior, focusing on simplicity and emphasizing the joy of driving. It is likely to be heavily influenced by the design of the Civic, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions and a digital instrument cluster.
Honda envisions the new Prelude appealing to drivers who are younger than their core demographic. The car is expected to be a popular choice for dates, with the potential for both children and parents to share a date together. Overall, Honda aims to combine high efficiency with a fun and dynamic driving experience, showcasing their ability to create exciting cars even in the low-carbon era.
In conclusion, Honda’s decision to bring back the Prelude sports coupé to the UK market demonstrates their commitment to providing a thrilling driving experience for younger customers. The car’s sleek design, focus on driver experience, and use of hybrid powertrain technology make it a unique offering in the UK market. With its return, the Prelude is set to become a symbol of Honda’s sports mindset and a showcase for their ability to combine efficiency with driving enjoyment.