A Classic Name Returns with New Baggage
The Honda Prelude is set to return after a hiatus of more than two decades, this time as a Civic-based coupe with hybrid power. On paper, the recipe blends nostalgia with Honda’s latest electrified technology, but the reception has been mixed. Some welcome the idea of a hybrid sports coupe, while others are unconvinced by its e-CVT transmission and the fact that it borrows heavily from the Civic.
Adding to the debate, reports from Japan suggest that the new Prelude will carry a higher price than even the Civic Type R. That alone has turned heads, as the Prelude was once remembered as a budget-friendly alternative in Honda’s lineup.
One prospective buyer in Japan, who also happens to write for an automotive publication, Creative Trend, shared his journey through the purchase process, offering an inside look at how difficult it is to even get on the list.
Screening Before Spending
To secure a slot for the Prelude’s first production run, buyers had to clear a series of pre-screening hurdles set by Honda dealerships. These criteria varied by region, but the theme was clear: reward long-time Honda customers and filter out speculators.
Buyers were required to demonstrate an established relationship with an authorized dealer, prove they had been members of Honda Total Care for at least a year, and confirm that they had no intention of reselling the car.
Some requirements went further, such as having purchased three or more Hondas in the past five years, subscribing to dealer-recommended maintenance packages, or participating in regular surveys. After that, dealerships held their own lotteries to determine who could actually place an order.
At one location, about 100 hopefuls were reduced to 20 finalists, competing for only 10 allocations. The Creative Trend writer in question passed the screenings and won his local draw, securing the right to buy one of the first cars.
First Batch is Limited to Just 2,000 Examples
The new Prelude will be officially announced in Japan on September 4, 2025, with orders opening the following day at 9:00 a.m. The price is set at ¥6,179,800 (about $41,726), placing it above the Civic Type R and even rivaling the Nissan Z and Toyota GR Supra. An online-exclusive Honda ON Limited Edition will also be available for ¥6,540,000, bundled with a dealer option pack and maintenance package.
Color options for the Prelude are limited, with Crystal Black Pearl and Flame Red being standard, and premium charges applying to Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Moonlight White Pearl. Fuel economy is quoted at 23.6 km/L under the WLTP cycle. Honda is limiting the initial run to just 2,000 units, with deliveries scheduled to begin in October 2025 and conclude by March 2026. A second production phase is expected to commence in fiscal 2026.
In the US, information about the Prelude’s ordering process is unknown; however, we expect a less stringent process than in Japan. We expect to hear more soon.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
