New Honda Prelude Sees Explosive Demand in Japan — Sales Exceed Forecast Eightfold
The all-new Honda Prelude has become a sensation in Japan even before hitting the roads. According to official data released by Honda, the company initially expected to sell around 300 units of the revived coupe per month, but early demand has surpassed every forecast — with more than 2,400 pre-orders placed within the first few weeks. That’s an eightfold increase over the original sales plan, forcing Honda to increase production to meet customer interest.
A Classic Reimagined for Modern Drivers
The 2025 Honda Prelude marks the return of one of the brand’s most iconic names, blending the spirit of the original 1980s and 1990s coupes with today’s hybrid technology and refined driving dynamics. Designed as a compact grand tourer, the new Prelude is built on the same platform as the latest Civic but features unique chassis tuning aimed at delivering balanced handling and smooth ride comfort.
Under the hood, the Prelude features a hybrid e:HEV powertrain pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of around 184 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. The system uses a dual-motor configuration similar to the one found in the Civic Hybrid, providing instantaneous torque delivery and improved fuel economy.
Targeting Youth, Loved by the Mature Audience
Interestingly, Honda’s marketing positioned the Prelude as a stylish, youthful coupe designed for “young and active” drivers — yet the first wave of buyers tells a different story. According to the manufacturer, the majority of customers are men in their 50s and 60s, many of whom either owned a Prelude decades ago or are buying it as a second car for leisure driving.
This demographic trend highlights the model’s nostalgic appeal. For many, the new Prelude evokes the golden age of Japanese sports coupes, when Honda models like the Integra, CR-X, and the original Prelude defined precision engineering and driver engagement.
Design and Comfort Recognized by Buyers
Buyers cite the Prelude’s dynamic exterior styling, refined suspension tuning, and comfortable interior as its strongest points. The car features a low, wide stance, sleek LED headlights, and a coupe silhouette that captures the essence of the 1990s models in a modern interpretation. Inside, the Prelude offers a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and supportive sports seats.
Another pleasant surprise is practicality. Customers appreciate the spacious boot with a wide-opening tailgate — a rare feature in modern coupes. In terms of customization, 63% of all orders have been for the exclusive “Lunar White Pearl” color, with the rest split among black, silver, and red options.
Pricing and Market Position
Honda launched the new Prelude in Japan in September 2025, pricing it at ¥6,179,800, which equals roughly $41,000 USD. That makes it the most expensive model in the Civic lineup, positioned above the Civic RS and e:HEV variants. Despite the premium price tag, the strong pre-order numbers suggest that the combination of design, heritage, and hybrid efficiency resonates strongly with Japanese buyers.
Production Expansion and Temporary Order Suspension
Due to the overwhelming response, Honda announced plans to expand production capacity at its domestic plants to meet the growing demand. However, several Honda dealerships in Japan have temporarily halted new orders, citing long waiting lists and limited allocation for the upcoming months.
The company emphasized that customer satisfaction remains a top priority and that it aims to deliver all pre-ordered cars within the initially promised timeframe.
Prelude’s Global Prospects
While the new Prelude has so far been confirmed only for the Japanese market, industry insiders suggest that a global rollout could follow in 2026, with Europe and select Asian markets being the first to receive it. Honda is reportedly evaluating left-hand-drive configurations and safety homologation for potential export.
If launched internationally, the Prelude could serve as Honda’s halo hybrid coupe, positioned between the Civic e:HEV and the fully electric models of the future.
Technical Specifications (Japanese Domestic Market)
- Engine: 2.0L Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC 4-cylinder + electric motor
- System Output: 184 hp
- Torque: 315 Nm
- Transmission: e-CVT (dual-motor hybrid system)
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Length: 4,450 mm
- Width: 1,790 mm
- Height: 1,400 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,735 mm
- Weight: ~1,550 kg
- Fuel Efficiency: ~22 km/l (WLTC)
- 0–100 km/h: around 7.5 seconds
A Symbol of Honda’s Reinvented Passion
The rebirth of the Honda Prelude is more than just a nostalgic revival — it’s a statement that the brand still believes in driver-centric engineering. In an era dominated by SUVs and EVs, the Prelude stands as a bridge between tradition and electrified innovation.
With demand already exceeding expectations, the Prelude could mark the beginning of a new chapter for sporty hybrids in Japan — and perhaps soon, the rest of the world.
