PRELUDE UP FRONT

After 25 years, Honda's two-door coupe is back with a hybrid powertrain, and the Japanese maker finally delivers something that stands out from the crowd

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HONDA used to be an innovative brand but in recent years the Japanese marque has lost its way, producing sturdy, sensible, yet forgettable cars. To shake things up, out of nowhere it has decided to shine light on one of its most iconic nameplates and returned to the niche world of two-door coupes with the Prelude. After 25 years it is back, and has big boots to fill if it wants to compete with the BMW 2 Series.

WHAT'S NEW?

It appears to be brand new, but below the surface you'll find the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic. For the first time the Prelude comes as standard with a hybrid powertrain, Honda's new S+Shift simulated gearbox and dual-axis strut suspension.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

The Prelude shares the same hybrid powertrain as the Civic hatchback, which is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor. Its 181bhp and 315Nm of torque can take the car to 60mph in eight seconds with a top speed of 117mph. Power is sent to the front wheels only via an e-CVT transmission, with no manual option available. Honda claims it can achieve up to 54.3mpg, though we were averaging 43mpg.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?