Honda confirms NZ pricing for all-new Prelude hybrid coupe

After a considerable hiatus of more than two decades, Honda’s two-door Prelude sports car is returning to the New Zealand market. And the brand has now confirmed the nameplate’s pricing. 

The Prelude will be offered locally in a single specification, priced at $69,990 plus on-road costs. Order books open to customers later this month on April 24. 

The two-door hybrid sports car positions itself as something of an enigma. In today’s age where there are a plethora of well-priced EVs that offer sub-four-second 0–100kph times, the Prelude sidesteps straight-line performance entirely.

It takes 7.0-seconds to hit 100kph from a standstill. And whilst this is quick enough to position the model close to the likes of the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86, those two are both rear-wheel drive and can be had with a 6-speed manual, the Prelude makes do with front-wheel drive and an e-CVT.

The Prelude is also more expensive than both the Mazda and Toyota, with the pair priced from $60,490 and $59,990, respectively. It’s also just $7000 shy of a Civic Type R. 

So, what’s the Prelude’s point? Well, Honda has given the model several key tech and chassis features. It’s built on the same platform as the Type R, with the same brake package and elements of the same suspension package.

Its e-CVT also comes with ‘S+ Shift’, which allows it to mimic the feel of a conventional torque-converted automatic transmission in most driving situations, with added throttle blips on downshifts during spirited driving. 

Like Preludes of old, the sixth-generation Prelude could be considered an entry-level grand tourer. At least, that’s how Honda’s pitching it. 

In terms of the model’s actual numbers, the Prelude borrows the 2.0-litre hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain from the Civic e:HEV. It develops an unchanged 135kW/315Nm, with potential for Honda to roll out a more powerful Type S or Type R version down the line. 

Full local specs have yet to be confirmed, but overseas (and in the brand’s supplied images) the Prelude’s interior comes with a 10.2-inch digital cluster, 9.0-inch touchscreen, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, two-tone upholstery, and more. 

“We’re fortunate to experience some of the world’s best driving roads in New Zealand, and now with the all-new Prelude, Kiwis will have a car that promises an elevated connected and fun driving experience,” said Honda New Zealand managing director Carolyn McMahon.

“The 2026 Prelude evokes the same character and emotions as its predecessors: combining a brave, daring and performance-led design, with a best-in-class hybrid engine, and attractive pricing. It’s the complete package.

“We’re also excited to launch our new S+ Shift technology to further enhance the joy of driving. I personally can’t wait for our customers to try it out for themselves.”