‘Icon’ reborn as hybrid

Honda NZ has confirmed pricing for the return of one of its historic nameplates – the all-new Prelude.

Reborn as the brand’s first hybrid sports car, it’s available to order here from May 1 from $69,990 plus on-road costs. It will be offered in a single grade with a choice of five exterior colours.

Its launch marks the return of the Prelude badge after more than 25 years, and the car boasts a “blend of modern hybrid technology and performance-focused engineering”.

Carolyn McMahon, managing director of Honda NZ, says: “We’re fortunate to experience some of the world’s best driving roads. With the all-new Prelude, Kiwis will have a car that promises an elevated connected.”

Built on a platform shared with the Civic Type, it has a “best-in-class hybrid engine and attractive pricing.”

The Prelude features Honda’s new S+ Shift technology, which aims to enhance driver engagement by simulating the feel of traditional gear changes. 

The car had its launch across the ditch at this month’s Melbourne Motor Show. Robert Thorp, Honda Australia’s director of automotive, says its fuses legendary design heritage with sustainable performance, “bringing fun into electrified era for sport coupes”.

He adds: “The 2026 Prelude is a bold reinterpretation of an iconic driver’s car for the hybrid era, developed from the same dreams with the same spirit and ambition as the first Prelude back in 1978.”