Honda Japan | ENGEAR ENGLISH

After a prolonged teaser session, Honda has officially confirmed that the sixth-generation Prelude is set to launch in the Japanese market this September.

The Honda Prelude made its global debut during the Japan Mobility Show 2023, which took place two years ago.

Here are some key facts you need to know:

1. More than Just a Civic Coupe

Honda has used the Civic’s platform to develop the Prelude model, but with a distinctly different design approach.

The Prelude features larger diameter tires, an optimized wheelbase, and an overall design inspired by sports car aesthetics.

2. The Ideal Sports Car

Honda does not intend for the Prelude to be significantly sportier than the existing Civic Type R offerings.

Nevertheless, the Prelude is still characterized as an ideal sports car, balancing performance and practicality.

This balance is achieved through components borrowed from the Civic Type R, such as a double-wishbone front suspension and Brembo brake calipers, along with practical features like a 2+2 seating configuration, foldable rear seats, under-floor storage, and a large tailgate opening.

3. Full Specifications Still Under Wraps

At this time, Honda is not ready to reveal the full specifications of this hybrid coupe.

What is certain, however, is that there will be no manual transmission option available.

The Honda Prelude will feature a 2.0-liter hybrid engine setup with two electric motors borrowed from the Civic Hybrid, producing 200 hp and 315 Nm of torque.

Among the new technologies included is the S+ Shift mode, which simulates gear shifts similar to what is available in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

4. Cabin Design

Although built on the Civic platform, the dashboard layout of the Prelude has been given its own unique character.

In addition to a 10.25-inch digital cluster screen and a 9-inch center screen similar to the Civic, the Prelude adopts a flat-bottom steering wheel design with a 12 o’clock marker, blue stitching accents, and smaller air conditioning vents.

The center console houses buttons for the transmission operation (PRND), drive mode selection, and a special button for the previously mentioned S+ mode.

5. Accessories Ready for Purchase

Honda Japan will also offer a Sports Style accessory package for owners seeking a more aggressive image.

This package includes body-color grille trim, a black rear spoiler, black side mirror housings, and newly designed 19-inch wheels.

If you recall, Honda Malaysia showcased the Prelude Concept model during the KLIMS exhibition last year.

Is this a sign that the Prelude model will be officially launched in Malaysia soon?

Introducing the smallest electric car produced by Honda: the Honda N-One e:.

With dimensions that place it within the kei car class, it replaces the Honda e, which ceased production in January of last year.

Here are some key facts you should know:

1. Honda’s second electric kei car

This is not the first ultra-compact electric car, as Honda previously launched the commercial EV N-Van e: last year.

The specifications of the N-One e: are expected to mimic those of the N-Van e:, featuring a single electric motor that drives the front wheels (64 hp).

2. Driving Range

Equipped with a 29.6 kWh battery pack, the N-Van e: can travel up to 245 km; however, when paired with the N-One e:, it has an estimated range of over 270 km based on WLTC data.

The N-Van e: also supports DC fast charging at 50 kW, allowing the battery to charge in 30 minutes or 4.5 hours using AC charging at 6.0 kW.

3. Nostalgic features from the 1960s

Honda employs the e:Daily Partner approach for the N-One e, offering an attractive exterior design along with a spacious cabin.

The N-One e: also provides the benefit of easy handling—evoking features from Honda’s classic kei car, the N360, of the 1960s and 70s.

4. Cabin space

The cabin of the N-One e: follows the Man Maximum Machine Minimum philosophy, showcasing a minimalist design.

It comes with an LCD cluster screen, a nine-inch central display, USB charging ports, a PRND selection button, and central climate controls, along with a two-spoke steering wheel similar to that of the N-Van e:.

Practicality is enhanced by a small tray on the dashboard, cup holders in the driver’s area and center console, as well as foldable rear seats to suit various needs.

5. Variations

Two variants are offered for the Japanese market: the e: L, which is more fully equipped, and the base e: G.

Both variants come standard with front and rear LED lights and an ADAS system (complete with cameras).

The base e: G features 14-inch steel rims with hub covers.

Its cabin appears more minimalist, as it includes only a simple audio system with Bluetooth support.

The e: L variant, on the other hand, is equipped with sporty 14-inch six-spoke aluminum rims and a cabin that includes the infotainment screen mentioned in point four.

6. Honda Access Accessories