Sixth-gen Honda Prelude fights GR86, BRZ, MX-5 – specs compare

Twenty five years since the last of the fifth generation Honda Prelude rolled off the production line, its successor is now finally upon us. The all-new sixth generation Prelude puts Honda back into the compact sports coupe game, rivalling the likes of the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5.

The Prelude is more expensive, though. Priced at $65,000 drive-away, it’s dearer than the top-spec GR86 GTS Performance Pack ($48,090 plus on-roads), BRZ tS auto ($52,790 plus on-roads) and MX-5 RF GT RS ($56,790 plus on-roads). The Prelude is also the only front-wheel drive coupe here, with all rivals being rear-wheel drive.

Power wise, the Prelude produces a combined total of 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors – the same powertrain found in the Civic e:HEV hybrid. While official figures remain under wrapped, the hybrid coupe is said to be capable of the 0 to 100km/h dash in about 7.5 seconds.

As a comparison, the GR86 and BRZ twins develop 174kW and 250Nm, while the MX-5 2.0-litre outputs 135kW and 205Nm. The rear-wheel drive rivals are slightly quicker, with the GR86 and BRZ twins accomplishing the century sprint in about 6.5 seconds and the MX-5 in approximately 7.0 seconds. However, Honda is said to be pitching the Prelude on refinement, comfort and cabin amenities rather than outright performance.

Indeed, the interior seems to be the plushest in the segment, with plenty of soft touch surfaces and cowhide. The single spec model packs comfort features like dual zone climate control, powered seat adjustment and seat heating. For a smooth ride, the Prelude also features adaptive dampers which are coupled with the same performance chassis found on the Civic Type R hot hatch.

Making first application in a Honda model, the S+ Shift technology employed in the new Prelude adds to the driving engagement of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) by simulating the sound and feel of a quick shifting conventional automatic transmission. Through an evocative engine note and a throttle response that is able to deliver a ‘kick’ and rev-matching throttle ‘blip’ felt during gear changes and engine braking, the CVT is said to mimic the performance and feel of a dual-clutch transmission. The GR86, BRZ and MX-5 all can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Other goodies to justify the Prelude’s steep sticker include Brembo front brakes with blue painted calibers all around, Civic Type R-derived front suspension, 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels and elegant, upmarket coupe styling.