Honda Malaysia has brought the Prelude nameplate back to Malaysia, this time as a two-door hybrid grand tourer rather than a high-revving coupé from the old playbook.
The sixth-generation Honda Prelude made its official local debut at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2026, giving Honda’s hybrid line-up a more emotional flagship.
The new Prelude is priced at RM278,000 on-the-road without insurance. It is offered in three colours: Winter Frost Pearl, Rallye Red and Crystal Black Pearl.
Under the bonnet is Honda’s 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid system. The front traction motor is rated at 184PS and 315Nm, while the total system output is 203PS. Drive goes to the front wheels through an electric continuously variable transmission.
It is not trying to be a Civic Type R with a different body. Think of it more as a modern hybrid GT with a sporty chassis and a familiar Honda badge on the nose.
The bigger technical talking point is S+ Shift, which makes its first appearance in a Honda Malaysia model.
It gives Honda’s motor-driven hybrid system a more conventional shift feel by managing engine revs during acceleration and deceleration.
It is paired with Active Sound Control and a power meter display to make the driving experience feel less like a normal e:HEV and more like something built for keen drivers.
There are three main drive modes: Sport, GT and Comfort. Sport sharpens the car’s response, GT is meant for longer-distance cruising, while Comfort softens the delivery for easier daily use.
An Individual mode lets the driver adjust the powertrain, steering, suspension, meter display and engine sound separately.
Honda has also fitted the Prelude with Coasting Control Operation, a first for the brand. The system helps the car slow down more smoothly when the driver lifts off the throttle, reducing the constant back-and-forth between accelerator and brake in certain driving situations.
The Prelude also borrows some useful hardware from Honda’s performance cupboard.
It gets a dual-axis strut front suspension and Adaptive Damper System, both linked to the Civic Type R family, while Agile Handling Assist helps with stability during cornering and emergency avoidance manoeuvres.
The car rides on 19-inch aluminium wheels, with blue Brembo brake callipers adding a bit of visual bite.
Design-wise, Honda has gone for a sleek fastback shape under its “Unlimited Glide” concept. The rear glass integrates the radio antenna, helping create a cleaner roof-to-tailgate line.
Other exterior details include a black chrome grille, LED headlights, LED rear combination lamps with red lenses and flush door handles.
Inside, the cabin uses what Honda calls a Gliding Cockpit layout. The driver’s seat is shaped for support and control, while the passenger seat is designed with easier entry and exit in mind.
Equipment includes a 9-inch Advanced Display Audio system with Google built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play and a Bose premium sound system.
Honda Sensing is standard, giving the Prelude the brand’s familiar suite of driver-assistance systems. Boot space is also part of the pitch, with Honda saying the coupé can take two medium-sized suitcases.
The Prelude is now open for booking through Honda Malaysia’s website and authorised dealers.
Honda is also displaying other hybrid models at KLIMS 2026, including the HR-V with a 360-degree camera.
