By Ellfian Rahim
It’s been just about 25 years since the Prelude nameplate was last seen on a Honda model. And standing on a smooth, closed test circuit in Sepang, it’s clear the name is all that links this new car to its high-revving, VTEC-powered ancestors that debuted in 1978.
Yet, even back then, the original Prelude was a technical flagship for Honda – a showcase for sharp, naturally-aspirated, front-wheel drive handling. Fast-forward to the present, and it seems that the Japanese brand is trying its best to remain true to the technological spirit of past Preludes…
Hybrid Generation
First things, first… though. This new sixth-generation coupe is actually a full-on hybrid, sharing its e:HEV powertrain with the current Honda Civic and CR-V. Sure, it sounds a bit like sacrilege, especially to hardcore Honda fans. But Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe has been adamant that the brand’s “joy of driving” philosophy must be carried into its electrified future.
Thus, the BF1 (Honda’s chassis code for the new car) features a hybrid system similar to the one found in the Civic e:HEV and CR-V e:HEV hybrids on sale now in Malaysia, which is an Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that combines the workings of an electric motor and petrol engine.
This is built around a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on an Atkinson cycle, with outputs of 141 PS (139 hp or 104 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 182 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Apart from this revolutionary new powerplant, the other big talking point is the new car’s transmission – technically, there isn’t one!
Instead, the car uses Honda’s direct-drive e-CVT system. And to combat the ‘rubber band’ feel of other, run-of-the-mill CVT setups and to create driver engagement, Honda has engineered the ‘S+ Shift’ system that simulates the visceral, rhythmic feel of changing gears. Equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddles, this system ably emulates an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It’s a purely synthetic experience, but it’s designed to provide the sharp gear shifting feel of a traditional auto, complete with rev-matching ‘blips’ from the petrol engine on downshifts and the ability to ‘hold’ a particular gear.
For The Drive
Then there’s the chassis. To handle the instant electric torque, the Prelude borrows the dual-axis strut front suspension from the Civic Type R, which is specifically designed to mitigate torque steer. It also gets the adaptive damper system from the Type R (retuned for the Prelude’s grand touring brief) and the same Brembo four-piston front brake calipers.
All this effort has pretty much turned the new the Prelude is a fascinating and sophisticated package. And the absolute crux of the experience has got to be the S+ Shift system. Let’s be clear: this is not a CVT with belts and pulleys. It’s an e-CVT, as part of a two-motor hybrid system in which the electric traction motor is primarily driving the wheels.
At higher speeds, a clutch can engage the 2.0-litre petrol engine for direct drive, but the S+ Shift programming is the real story.
When you’re in S+ mode, the system convincingly emulates the feel of a dual-clutch transmission. It’s a purely synthetic eight-speed map, but it delivers rapid, distinct upshifts and downshifts, completely removing the droning, elastic band-like sensation typical of many CVT-equipped hybrid powertrains.
Sure, it’s not mega-fast in a straight line like a Civic Type R. Instead, it subscribes to the ‘slow car fast’ philosophy, where the driver can extract 100 per cent of its performance and enjoy the handling without reaching extreme speeds. Despite the instant 315Nm of torque from the electric motor, torque steer isn’t an issue.
Everyday Driveability
Suppose there just isn’t enough power to overwhelm the front-end, and the Type R-derived suspension does a good job of managing power delivery. So, even when applying power aggressively out of tight corners, the Prelude remains composed and balanced.
Measuring in at 4,522 mm long, 1,880 mm wide and 1,355 mm tall, with a 2,605 mm wheelbase, the Prelude rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 235/40 profile tyres. Step inside, and one will discover that it’s very comfortable for the front two occupants, and everything is well put together.
The seats are well bolstered and supportive, exactly what you want for long-distance driving, and the cockpit feels purposeful without being overdone. One of the nicer touches is how the digital displays change character with each drive mode, reinforcing the sense that the car is genuinely transforming around you rather than just changing a number on a screen.
Boot space is also genuinely good at approximately 428 litres. So, for a car that’s supposed to be a coupe, the practicality on offer is a pleasant surprise and another tick in the GT column.
Honda Sensing comes fully loaded as well with the new car, with adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, and a lead car departure notification system.
It is a thorough suite of safety technology that makes the new Prelude is a modern compact grand tourer. It’s for the mature enthusiast who wants a stylish, sharp-handling, and practical coupe for the daily drive offering instant electric torque and 5.0L/100km fuel economy, as much plenty of cornering grip to boot…
(Photos: Honda Malaysia)
