Do you believe the Honda Prelude requires more power? It’s actually even less powerful in Europe.

      Honda

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      Opinions about the new Honda Prelude seem to be set, influenced by its performance specifications and general pricing. According to Honda, the new coupe will provide 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain at around “$42,000” for buyers in the U.S. and Japan. However, in Europe, the Prelude will have a 10% reduction in power, likely due to emissions regulations and tuning, and will consequently cost more.

      For those who have kept up with the Prelude, it utilizes the Civic Hybrid’s powertrain and chassis elements from the Type R. In Europe, the current Civic Hybrid has always claimed less power—181 hp compared to our version's 200—while torque remains consistent across markets. In the U.K., Honda has priced the Prelude at £39,595 before taxes, which is approximately $52,150 at the current exchange rate.

      Though our version of the Prelude won't be as costly, enthusiasts have expressed dissatisfaction regarding its performance-to-cost ratio since its Japanese pricing was hinted at. In Europe, this ratio may be even less appealing. A review from British publication Car indicated that the coupe's zero-to-60 mph time is 8.2 seconds, which is comparable to a fully equipped Civic Hybrid available there.

      Joel Feder (top), Honda (bottom)

      While twenty horsepower might not be a deal-breaker, it is a concern when discussing a model that is essentially marketed as a performance vehicle—even if Honda is framing it more as an affordable grand tourer than a sporty compact. Starting with only 200 hp and costing just a few thousand less than a Type R puts it at a disadvantage.

      That said, the Prelude still has the potential to be enjoyable to drive. Joel Feder briefly tested one in Japan, which shares the same output as the upcoming U.S. version, and he found it enjoyable. I'm eagerly anticipating experiencing the Prelude next year; I believe it looks fantastic, and we need more reasonably priced coupes available.

      There’s nothing quite like the new Prelude on the market, which is both advantageous and challenging. One must question how many buyers will seek its unique combination of sportiness, comfort, and efficiency. While it has made a surprisingly strong debut in its home country, it will be intriguing to see if it can achieve similar success in the U.S., and particularly in Europe, with a 20-horsepower deficit.

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