Honda Prelude Will Return To Europe As A Hybrid Coupe

Oh, what an absolutely delightful way to start the week. Remember the Honda Prelude Concept that was revealed out of absolutely nowhere at last year’s Japan Mobility Show? Well, it’s going into production and it will be sold in Europe.

Better still, it’s not another tarnishing of a beloved nameplate as an electric crossover. It’s a bonafide, no marketing spiel coupe and it will use a hybrid powertrain. What exactly that’ll be remains a mystery for the time being, although we’d hedge our bets on the same 2.0-litre four-pot and electric motor combination found in the Civic.

Presumably, it’ll use a front-driven platform – although that’s not something to get upset about considering every Prelude that has, er, preluded this has been the same.

When exactly the Prelude is arriving remains a mystery, although the concept looks quite production-ready to our eyes. We’ve had the chance to see it up close and personal and, lack of interior aside, the design seems near-final and feasible for reality in the flesh.

Tomoyuki Yamagami, the new Prelude’s chief engineer, said: “The new Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development.

“Ensuring this model maintains its sporty DNA by perfectly blending the efficiency and environmental advantages of electrified driving with an exhilarating experience behind the wheel – liberating users from their daily lives with increased driving pleasure.”

Honda has been without a Prelude in its line-up since 2001, with five generations of the coupe in its time in production. Don't expect this to signal a flurry of revived Honda nameplates, though, with Yamagami-san telling us an S2000 and others are 'probably not' happening.