Honda’s Prelude sports car is back after a 25-year hiatus.
It is available in a single, well equipped grade in a choice of five colours, priced from $65,000 driveaway.
Prelude was first sold here way back in 1979, priced from just $9550 with an auto.
On its demise in 2003, the car cost just over $49,000 with an auto — the manual $2000 more.
That model was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with VTEC, producing 147kW of power and 212Nm of torque, with power to the front wheels through a four-speed sports automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
Honda tells us the new Prelude comes new technologies and a carefully considered design — for a start it’s a hybrid.
Sitting on the same platform as the Civic Type R, the four-seater has been carefully crafted to deliver a confidence-inspiring drive and the ultimate connection between human and machine.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre Hybrid DOHC i-VTEC inline four that produces 135kW of power from 5000-6000 revs and 315Nm of torque from 0-2000 revs.
At 4522mm in length with a 2602mm wheelbase, it sits 1355mm high and 137mm off the ground, and weighs 1468kg..
Suspension is McPherson with dual axis strut at the front, with a multi-link rear setup and active damping.
Brakes are four-piston Brembo 350mm vented discs at the front and 305mm solid discs at the rear.
Headlining the new technology is Honda’s innovative S+ Shift technology, which is designed to emulate the sound and feel of quick gear changes.
It delivers an evocative engine note and throttle response, and is able to deliver a ‘kick’ and rev-matching throttle ‘blip’ during gear changes and engine braking.
It takes standard 91 unleaded and uses a claimed 4.3L/100km.
First-generation Prelude debuted with the Accord’s mechanical components but a different chassis.
Notably, it was the first Honda to feature a moonroof.
The model continued to evolve over five generations, popularising pop-up headlights and introducing Honda’s acclaimed high-reving VTEC engines, as well as pioneering four-wheel steering.
With declining demand for two-door coupes, however, the car was finally axed by Honda globally in 2001.
Its place was taken in effect by the smaller, quicker Integra.
That was then, this is now.
CHECKOUT: Honda ZR-V Hybrid: Late but not last
CHECKOUT: Honda’s first race success came with the S600