Today marks the official return of the Honda Prelude after a 21-year hiatus. Codenamed BF1, the new-generation Honda Prelude goes on sale in Japan first. Other markets are expected to receive the Prelude over the next couple of months.
Now in its sixth generation, the 2025 Honda Prelude was showcased worldwide in prototype form, including at the 2024 KLIMS where the model was finished in an eye-catching shade of red.
Watch: Honda Prelude Concept in Japan Mobility Show 2023
Does the 2025 Honda Prelude get a VTEC engine like its predecessors?
In line with current market trends, the 2025 Honda Prelude adopts Honda’s two-motor petrol-electric e:HEV powertrain. The engine produces 141 PS and 182 Nm, while the electric motor delivers 184 PS and 315 Nm — figures identical to the Civic and CR-V e:HEV. Like the Civic and CR-V e:HEV, the 2025 Prelude also offers an e-CVT.
Read Also: Review: Honda e:HEV hybrid – the hybrid solution for everyday Malaysians
Honda claims the e:HEV system returns up to 23.6 km/L (4.23 L/100 km) under the WLTP test cycle.
But don’t forget this is, at the end of the day, a proper sports car. Honda has given the Prelude the Honda S+ Shift drive mode switch, which mimics an eight-speed automatic transmission in. With the S+ mode engaged, the Prelude is able to mimic rev-matched downshifts as well.
The S+ Shift switch works in conjunction with the Prelude’s Active Sound Control, which syncs engine notes with engine speed.
A total of four drive modes are available: Sport, GT, Comfort, and Individual. The latter lets drivers customise parameters such as powertrain, steering, suspension, meter display, engine sound, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2025 Honda Prelude is a two-door Civic Type R… almost
Don’t let the lack of Type R badging fool you — the 2025 Honda Prelude hides some Civic Type R hardware beneath its new sheet metal.
Chief among these is the Dual Axis front suspension, which separates the steering knuckles and dampers, increasing steering-axis flexibility and reducing torque steer.
Other Type R-derived components include the active damper system, variable gear-ratio steering (VGR), rigid drive shafts, and Brembo brakes.
Deep down, it’s still very much a Honda
The 2025 Honda Prelude comes standard with the full Honda Sensing ADAS suite, a 9-inch Honda Connect infotainment system with Google built-in, and an 8-speaker Bose Premium audio setup.
Drivers also get a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless phone charger. Despite being a two-door coupé, Honda points out that the rear seats have been carefully engineered to accommodate two occupants comfortably, while the boot is shaped for easy loading and unloading.
Colours for the 2025 Honda Prelude
For Japan, five body colours are available: Crystal Black Pearl, Flame Red, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Moonlit White Pearl, and Moonlit White with black roof (the latter exclusive to the Honda ON online store).
What is the price of the 2025 Honda Prelude?
The 2025 Honda Prelude is priced from JPY 6,179,800 (~RM 176k) in Japan.
For context, that positions it among:
- Honda Civic Type R: JPY 4,997,300 (~RM 142k)
- Toyota GR Supra 2.0L: JPY 6,013,000 (~RM 171k)
- Toyota GR Supra 3.0L: JPY 8,000,000 (~RM 228k)
- Nissan Fairlady Z: JPY 6,759,500 (~RM 193k)
When will I be able to buy the 2025 Honda Prelude in Malaysia?
Hold your horses. Sales of the 2025 Honda Prelude just commenced in Japan. This sexy coupe will eventually find its way to North America and Europe over the next couple of months.
For Malaysia, we reckon it’s a matter of “when”, rather than “if”, given that Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) already previewed the model at the 2024 KLIMS.
Download the Japanese brochure here:
2025 Honda Prelude Japan-spec Photo Gallery
2025 Honda Prelude North American-spec Photo Gallery
