The New Honda Prelude: A Huge Mistake?

carwow March 17, 2026
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I'm Mat Watson, and you're watching Carwow. Whether you're after in-depth advice on your next new car or simply want to watch the most exciting drag races on YouTube you'll find it all right here on the world's best car channel. And for everything else - from comprehensive reviews, real car prices or advice you can trust - head over to Carwow. This IS how car-changing should feel.

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Get 20% off Car Vertical using code Carwow: https://bit.ly/Carwow-Car-Vertical Mat’s got his hands on one of the most highly anticipated comeback cars of the decade - the all-new Honda Prelude! He’s been lucky enough to drive some incredible Japanese sports cars over the past few years. From the legendary hybrid NSX through to the ultra-focused Civic Type R, Mat has had his hands on some of the best-handling cars in the world. But how does Honda's revived 1990s icon stack up in the modern era? Let’s start with a look at the stats. Starting with the engine, it’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid setup that produces 180hp and 315Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT transmission, but Honda has fitted a clever new 'S+ Shift' system that simulates an 8-speed gearbox with virtual rev-matching! Because it's carrying a battery, the car weighs approximately 1,480kg. In terms of value, it has a starting price of around £41,000! But it’s not just a standard eco-box underneath. Honda has actually borrowed some serious hardware directly from the Civic Type R! The Prelude features the exact same dual-axis front suspension to eliminate torque steer, specially tuned adaptive dampers, and a set of massive 4-piston Brembo brakes hiding behind 19-inch alloys. Inside, the Prelude features a driver-focused 2+2 layout. It comes loaded with a 9-inch infotainment screen, heavily bolstered sports seats, and a sporty D-shaped steering wheel. Oh, and the rear seats fold down so you can actually fit a decent amount of luggage in the back! So it looks fantastic, but can a 180hp hybrid genuinely deliver the thrills we expect from a sports coupe? And is it a worthy successor to the legendary Prelude name? You’ll need to stick with Mat to see for yourself! We’d like to say a huge thank you to Craig for lending us his 1999 Prelude for this review. Craig: https://www.instagram.com/hehe.car.go.slow/ Change your car with Carwow: https://bit.ly/Change-Your-Car-1703 Car Vertical: https://bit.ly/Carwow-Car-Vertical GR86 review: https://bit.ly/GR86-Review-1703 Chapters 0:00 - Intro: The Legend Returns 0:52 - Exterior Design & Walkaround 3:21 - New Prelude Interior Tour & Quality 7:35 - Classic Prelude Exterior Comparison 11:26 - Retro Interior: 90s vs Modern 13:50 - Engine Specs & Hybrid Powertrain 15:50 - 0-60 MPH & 1/4 Mile Performance Test 18:21 - Braking Distance & Safety Test 19:26 - Price & Value for Money 21:57 - Rear Seats & Boot Space 26:09 - Storage & Daily Practicality 27:19 - Screen & Infotainment Tech Review 28:43 - Driving Impressions: Handling & Speed 32:08 - Real World Fuel Economy & Daily Living 37:37 - Final Verdict: Is it worth it?

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