By Ian Strachan.
The advent of the all-electric car has spawned a wealth of new – and often odd – car designs. Without the need to accommodate an engine under the bonnet, previously constrained designers have come up with some fairly strange-looking cars.
Which is why the newly-launched Honda Prelude is a breath of fresh air. This is an unashamed sports coupe, and it looks exactly like one, with sporty lines, two doors and a thumping great spoiler on the back. It’s a refreshing throwback to Preludes of the past.
With a nod to net zero it’s a hybrid, with its two-litre petrol engine helped by two electric motors which provide most of this exciting car’s acceleration. It’s only available as a single-speed automatic, but by engaging the Prelude’s S+Shift option it will simulate an eight-speed gearbox, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddles and some throaty engine sounds for a bit of theatre.
While not pretending to be an out-and-out sports racer, the Prelude still performs very well and is fun to drive with a published 0-60 mph time of around eight seconds – although it felt quicker – and a top speed (where permitted) of 117 miles per hour.
The Prelude’s distinctive sporty looks are enhanced by meaty 19 inch alloy wheels with stand out blue brake calipers. The profile slopes smoothly towards the distinctive rear end, with a huge rear spoiler (£600 option).
My test car came in smart Moonlit White Pearl paintwork (£700 option) with white illuminated door sill trims (£445). With its shark-like front end and black trimmed back panel this is a car that looks as if it means business.
Beneath the rear spoiler is a deep and practical loadspace. Honda has done well to maintain the basics of practicality despite the Prelude’s sporty credentials.
The inside of the Prelude – with a choice of white or black trim – further emphasises its sporty credentials, with a lot of effort concentrated on driver comfort and convenience. The heated, electric sports seats hug around you and the instruments are clear and well laid out. As you’d expect, this car is a conventional sports four-seater.
But most people will buy the Prelude for its handling, sporty good looks and sparkling performance. It won’t disappoint in this respect. The engine is responsive and effortless on the road, with performance settings for comfort or sporty driving. Fuel consumption is respectable at around 54.3 mpg in mixed driving.
Ride and handling are good, with crisp and positive steering response and nicely damped suspension to give a smooth ride despite its low profile. The Honda’s grip on the road is never uncertain, even when cornering at speed. The car’s underpinnings are from the excellent Honda Civic.
Equipment levels are good, with all-round airbags, satellite navigation via a nine-inch touchscreen, good climate control, electric windows and mirrors, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, a wireless phone-charging plate and an excellent Bose eight-speaker DAB radio and infotainment system.
You also get steering wheel mounted controls, blind spot information and lane-keeping aid with pedestrian and cyclist detection. You also get rain sensing window wipers and remote keyless entry with automatic locking.
This is an easy car to like and will turn heads – particularly with its striking good looks – and I was sorry to see it go. The whole thing comes at £40,180 on the road.
