By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

The icon is back – as a hybrid! When it was first released in 1978 and thereafter, the Prelude was touted as a technological wonder – four-wheel steering, VTEC engine, torque-vector system, pop-up headlights … and more. Fast forward to 2001 and the boxy front-wheel-drive sports coupe was discontinued. This year, the sixth-gen Prelude has returned with a wide stance, sharper and lower nose and a ‘double bubble’ roof to convey a sleek appearance. And a powertrain that is peppy and fun to rev!

Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter direct-injection inline-4 cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 232 pounds-feet of torque @ 2000 rpm. Transforming the ride into a hybrid are two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery to show off impressive fuel economy figures. It is coupled with a direct-drive transmission, i.e., a single-speed reduction gear. A new Honda S+ Shift offers quick gearshift responses, simulating an 8-speed manual but via steering wheel paddle shifters. A fully independent suspension is handled via a MacPherson strut but the rear gets a multi-link system. And leading the Prelude to its destination is the electric power steering with variable ratio. Pick your drive modes from comfort, GT, sport and individual.

A black chrome grille louver flanks slim horizontal LEDs while blue accents deck up the lower center of front/rear fascias as well as the Brembo brakes. The indigo theme continues in the pleasing cabin with blue stitches on the thick-rimmed flat steering wheel, leather seats, dashboard and doors. And you won’t miss the italic Prelude embossed on front seat backrests and lower dash. The driver faces a huge 10.2-inch digital cluster and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in and an eight-speaker Bose stereo system. Other goodies include dual auto a/c, six-way driver and four-way passenger seats, sport pedals, 60/40 split rear seat, push-button start, black headliner, wireless phone charger and an overhead sunglass holder. 

Standard safety features include dual front, side and knee airbags, side curtain airbag, vehicle stability assist, traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, three-point seatbelts, front/rear crumple zones, front-seat active head restraints, tire pressure monitor system and daytime running lights, as well as Honda Sensing – adaptive cruise control, blind spot/cross traffic monitor, collision mitigation brakes, lane keep assist and forward collision and lane departure warnings, traffic jam assist, and front/rear park sensors.

Sharing some of the pocket-rocket Civic Type R’s chassis, braking and steering components, the return of the Prelude is to be lauded. Though the liftback lacks a much-needed manual, the cool fuel-sipping car delivers a level of performance and style that’s unbeatable for the money. Besides, who wouldn’t want to sign up for a Honda, which has a reputation for building durable and dependable rides!

PRELUDE

Tires: 225/40R19

Wheelbase: 102.3 inches

Length: 178.4 inches

Height: 53.4 inches

Width: 74 inches

Weight: 3,261 pounds

Fuel capacity: 10.6 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 46/41/44

Base price: $42,000

Price as tested: $43,650

Web site: www.honda.com