A MAJOR car brand is set to revive a long-forgotten sporty model that was discontinued some 23 years ago.
The Honda Prelude was last seen in UK Honda showrooms back in 2001 – having run for five generations from 1978.
But after over two decades since it was pulled from production, the iconic nameplate is to return as an elegant-looking hybrid.
The new Prelude is set to get its first public appearance at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed following the concept model’s reveal at the Japan Mobility Show last year.
Said to boast “a compelling blend of style and sophistication alongside a hybrid powertrain,” the Prelude will join Honda’s fully electrified line-up for Europe alongside the Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V.
Little else has been revealed about the upcoming hybrid motor, but Honda have said it will be released “sometime in the mid-2020s.”
Tomoyuki Yamagami, the project leader on the Prelude, said the model “maintains its sporty DNA by perfectly blending the efficiency and environmental advantages of electrified driving with an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.”
He added: “In addition, the Prelude demonstrates the continued importance of hybrid powertrains as part of Honda’s automobile electrification strategy – a key step towards our commitment for 100% of new vehicle sales to be battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell by 2040.”
Prelude, Accord, Quintet, Concerto, Jazz, Ballade, Prologue – what do they all have in common?
Yes, they’re all Hondas, but they’re also related to music – a theme that has run throughout the Japanese maker’s branding over the years.
The name “Prelude” refers to an introductory piece of music – and is said to be an example of Honda bringing the “joy of driving” to customers across Europe.
The original Prelude made its European debut 45 years ago and served as a high-performance showcase of Honda’s cutting-edge tech for five generations until it was discontinued in 2001.
The prelude was first released in 1978 as a two-door coupe loosely based on the Honda Accord, and ran until 2001 before the arrival of the the fourth-gen Integra.
It was further hampered by the Civic Si coupe and the modern classic S2000 convertible – which offered rear wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox, as well as more horsepower.
The return of the Honda Prelude follows the trend of other major car brands reviving long-forgotten nameplates.
Ford are all set to bring back the much-loved Capri name – with an SUV EV iteration to be revealed in a matter of days.
Rumour has it that Toyota will bring back the MR2 sports car, and Land Rover are making a new version of the Freelander.
Volvo are set to give their fans just the greatest hits as they look to bring back two previously discontinued estate models, and even the Toyota Celica could be making a return.
