### How Does It Drive? The new Honda Prelude is a hybrid coupe that leverages the Civic parts bin to build a unique driving experience. The central technology is the S+ Shift system, which simulates eight forward gears when asked to do so, essentially by allowing the engine speed to vary within a range to simulate the gearing that isn’t present. This system doesn’t make the Prelude any quicker, but it does increase engagement when combined with the fake engine noise pumped into the cockpit. While the power output looks modest by modern standards, and especially for the money Honda is charging, 200 hp is still plenty if the goal is enjoyment rather than racetrack dominance. The Prelude gets a steady torque delivery when it’s out of the S+ mode, and it easily pulled through curves without hesitation. The powertrain will be controversial simply because it isn’t truly performance-oriented. But ...
### How Does It Drive?
The new Honda Prelude is a hybrid coupe that leverages the Civic parts bin to build a unique driving experience. The central technology is the S+ Shift system, which simulates eight forward gears when asked to do so, essentially by allowing the engine speed to vary within a range to simulate the gearing that isn’t present. This system doesn’t make the Prelude any quicker, but it does increase engagement when combined with the fake engine noise pumped into the cockpit.
While the power output looks modest by modern standards, and especially for the money Honda is charging, 200 hp is still plenty if the goal is enjoyment rather than racetrack dominance. The Prelude gets a steady torque delivery when it’s out of the S+ mode, and it easily pulled through curves without hesitation. The powertrain will be controversial simply because it isn’t truly performance-oriented.
But the suspension is truly tuned for heroism. All the best Civic suspension and brake parts, including many from the Type R, have come over to the Prelude almost unchanged. That includes the dual-axis front struts, which widen the front track and plant the optional 235/40ZR-19 Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 summer-spec tires aggressively.
### What’s It Like to Live With?
The new Prelude is as practical as any Civic, well, as long as the rear seat is being used for something other than accommodating full-size human beings. The Prelude rides well, is quiet, and looks handsome. Comfort matters, and Preludes have always been comfortable. Plus, the EPA rates it at a stunning 46 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 44 mpg combined, which are definite upsides of the smart hybrid system.
The interior materials are exceptional, and the seats are perfectly shaped, with different bolstering for the driver and passenger. The Prelude is built only in Japan on the same line as the Type R and features a new paint process that produces something particularly luscious in Boost Blue Pearl.
### Should I Buy One?
The Prelude is a low-volume car built for a specialized audience. If Honda sells 5000 in the United States this year, that would just about meet the company’s expectations. You’re never going to see too many of them. If you want a small coupe, hybrid or not, the options are severely limited, regardless of how much you have to spend.
The Prelude isn’t cheap, but really, what are the alternatives? It’s not a detail; it’s an excision. This is the only Honda automobile currently for sale in North America with fewer than four doors. Coupes may not be for everyone, but this thing spits in the eye of crossover-SUV conventional wisdom. That’s something for which those of us who care about cars should be grateful.
### Highlights and Lowlights
We Love:
– Great handling.
– High quality and excellent finish.
– Comfortable and easy on fuel.
We Don’t:
– Goofball recessed door handles.
– Eight fake ratios aren’t as good as six real manual ones.
– Lacks power seats.
### Favorite Detail
This is the only Honda automobile currently for sale in North America with fewer than four doors. Coupes may not be for everyone, but this thing spits in the eye of crossover-SUV conventional wisdom. That’s something for which those of us who care about cars should be grateful.
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