HONDA Malaysia’s coolest model yet is more than just its sleek looks.
As we found out at the Sepang International Circuit, the sixth generation Prelude is a statement of Honda’s heritage and their journey forward.
Not to pile on the pressure, but there’s quite a lot riding on Honda’s very first e:HEV hybrid sports coupe.
True it has its novelty for a name that carries historical value. Similarly however there’s a legacy to live up to and a reputation to maintain.
Mess up the presentation and you run the risk of tarnishing a heritage. It puts into perspective that reviving an iconic name is not as easy a task as one might think.
Purpose then becomes the prime motivator to ensure that a calling doesn’t get tossed around simply for the sake of marketing.
Such is the weight that surrounds the return of the “Prelude” being called back into action after more than two decades of hiatus.
On Malaysia’s end the importance of the model was marked by the presence of Tomoyuki Yamagami who is the model’s large project leader.
Joining us on the circuit, Yamagami summarised that the new model’s mission is to showcase three specific areas: electrification, S+ Shift technology, and design.
All of these are wrapped up into the car’s motive for being inspired by gliders, and expanding it into the grand concept of the “Unlimited Glide” at its core, to deliver one of the most chill driving experience you’ll find in the market.
“Gliding” is the keyword to note because this sets the tone of the Prelude. In addition to its design this theme is achieved through a combination of elements that make up the entirety of the model.
Honda certainly knew the assignment by nailing its first impression. Just as it was back in the day the Prelude’s sporty coupe design just oozes with style and cool. At the track we got to see the model in the hot Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, and the more familiarly associated Winter Frost Pearl.
Sleek and simple, the coupe’s look is highlighted by its aerodynamic exterior with smooth roofline, flush outer door handles, black chrome grill, LED headlights, enhanced Active Cornering Lights, and LED rear combi lights with red lens.
Subtle blue accents at the lower centre of the front, rear bumpers, as well as the high-capacity Brembo brakes on its 19-inch aluminum wheels are said to represent the boundless blue sky.
There’s space and size that is rather generous on the interior for a 2+2. The car has a wheelbase of 2,605mm, and comes in at a height of 1,355mm, 4,522mm in length, and a width of 1,880mm.
Notable cabin features are its unique D-shaped steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument display and nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a wireless phone charger, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.
Front seats, complete in blue and white theme, are personally tailored individually with the driver having a sport oriented bucket seat and a more comfortably-designed one for the passenger that is more relaxed and made for easy entry-exit.
The centre console is where the next highlight comes in. There are the gear select buttons, electronic parking brake switch and drive mode selector with the four being Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual. And then there’s the S+ Shift button.
Offered for the first time in Honda Malaysia’s line-up, the S+ Shift technology is something of a special Sports mode or Sports+ that makes your driving sharper and louder.
Its a technology that’s paired to Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain, with the Prelude’s output being very much identical to the Civic e:HEV.
Paired to an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on an Atkinson cycle is matched with a 72-cell, 1.05kWh capacity battery to deliver a maximum power of up to 203PS and 315Nm of torque.
Before the start of our activities we were given a go on the track with the Civic e:HEV for that very reason.
This served as a refresher that also allowed Honda Malaysia to set expectations with what we were about to have a hands-on with.
Once activated the S+ Shift system that’s integrated with Active Sound Control supposedly simulates gear shifts and enhances engine responsiveness through precise coordination between the engine and dual electric motors.
This was put to the test during our very short slalom drive exercise where the mode offered a slightly more engaging and dynamic driving experience via sharper throttle and steering response.
Fun as it was, what surprised us most was the Comfort and GT drive modes that allows the car’s true personality to shine.
Words like cool and glide aren’t thrown about randomly and do actually represent the Prelude experience.
Very sporty and capable yes, but the coupe felt more at home when it is allowed to cruise.
Our time with the car this round was short but the sense of joy emanated from the Prelude when it was allowed to go at its own pace.
To ensure your comfort and safety goes unimpeded the Prelude is equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, as well as the Blind Spot Information (BSI) system and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM).
We’ll get a better understanding of the Prelude once we’re given more time with it (especially on the roads) but from our initial impression you could say it is one of those machines where relaxation supersedes the need for speed and that the journey matters more than the destination itself.
Throw in a little fun with the S+ Shift technology and a potential hybrid range between 600km-800km mixed with comfort and you get one Honda you never want to stop driving.
All while looking sexy wherever you go I might add. What is left now is the price to see if the Prelude is all smiles.
