However, the production version of the model has shown that behind the attractive design lies a car that struggles to find its place in the market and has already faced the need for price concessions in the first months.
Design as the Main Argument
The exterior of the new Honda Prelude does draw attention. The coupe looks modern, with body proportions emphasizing a sporty character, and a length of about 4.5 meters creating a sense of a larger and more substantial vehicle compared to compact hatchbacks. That said, the list of obvious advantages pretty much ends there.
Technical Aspects Without Sporting Ambitions
The Prelude's powertrain is a hybrid setup with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor. The combined output is 203 hp, but its potential is limited by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 8.3 seconds, and the top speed is capped at 188 km/h.
Such figures appear modest not only for a coupe with a revived legendary name but also against more affordable mainstream models. Vehicles with conventional gasoline engines and lower prices often show comparable or even better dynamics, while also surpassing the Prelude in practicality.
Price and Market Reality
On European markets, the Prelude is offered at around 48,000 euros. In the US, the model starts at approximately 39,000 euros, excluding mandatory fees. Against these figures, attempts by some dealers to add markups seemed particularly questionable, as buyers in the same price range can choose more powerful and driver-oriented sports coupes.
Predictably, interest was low, and dealers quickly shifted from markups to discounts, lowering the price below the recommended level. Even this, however, did not lead to a noticeable increase in demand.
Sales and Comparison with Competitors
Statistics from the first months of sales in the US showed a weak start: the number of Prelude registrations significantly lags behind models like the Toyota GR 86, Subaru BRZ, or Nissan Z. Even in the niche coupe segment, Honda finds itself in a catching-up role.
Model Prospects
The current situation raises questions about the future of the Prelude in its present form. A substantial power increase is unlikely, as it would inevitably lead to a price hike. Price reduction, on the other hand, appears a more realistic scenario but would require rethinking the concept and possibly abandoning the complex hybrid setup.
Conclusion
The new Honda Prelude demonstrates how effective design alone is insufficient for success. With the current combination of price, specifications, and market expectations, the coupe is in a challenging position, and further development of the model will depend on whether Honda is willing to adjust its chosen course.
