Honda Malaysia has opened bookings for the new Prelude, reviving one of its most familiar badges in Malaysia as a hybrid 2+2 coupé ahead of a second-quarter launch. Customers can also register interest through the company’s online pre-booking channel.
The Prelude stands out not only because the name returns, but because Honda is bringing it in as its first e:HEV hybrid sports coupé. That gives it a different place in the brand’s local line-up, which until now has treated hybrid power mainly as a mainstream passenger-car offering rather than something wrapped in a two-door body.
Under the bonnet is Honda’s 2.0-litre e:HEV system. Honda Malaysia quotes 184PS and 315Nm, while local reports say combined output is 203PS when the petrol engine and electric motor work together.
Drive goes to the front wheels, with the engine able to send power directly to them at higher speeds when that is more efficient.
One of the main new features is S+ Shift, which makes its Malaysian debut in the Prelude.
Honda said it works with Active Sound Control to mimic gear changes and sharpen the link between engine and motor response, with a shift-hold function aimed at making the car feel more precise when pushed.
That sporty brief is also backed by the hardware underneath. Local reports say the Prelude shares several components with the FL5 Civic Type R, including dual-axis front suspension, adaptive dampers, steering parts and larger Brembo brakes.
Honda Malaysia has also confirmed 19-inch wheels, Honda SENSING, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor.
Malaysians first saw the Prelude in concept form at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.
Honda plans preview sessions at selected dealerships in May under its “Hybrid Done Right” campaign, which runs from April 1 to June 30. The campaign also includes an extra RM2,000 cash rebate for Honda e:HEV buyers and a lucky draw offering one week’s use of the Prelude after launch.
Prelude pricing is still under wraps, leaving that as the main unknown. Even so, the Prelude already looks unlike most hybrids sold here, pairing a familiar Honda badge with a coupé shape and a more driver-focused intent.
