Over the past few years, Honda has been rather unimaginative. The Japanese automaker hoped its fortunes would change with the Honda Elevate, but that wasn’t quite the case, as competition has been fierce. But now, Honda is stepping back into the Indian automotive game as it plans to launch a few exciting models. Here are all the details you should know.
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Japanese Sportscar Coming To India!
MG received an unexpected response with the Cyberster, suggesting that a market for a sports car exists. Honda will now diversify its portfolio from sedans and SUVs to sports cars with the Prelude. The Prelude is a popular name in the US market, and it would liven up the boring SUV-dominated Indian market.
The Prelude is a looker. The smooth body language, low stance, and coupe body shape are a treat for the eyes. It is not a track-focused machine, and is meant to be enjoyed on highway drives and mountainous roads. But like all sports cars, you wonder what powers it. So let’s find out.
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Honda Prelude – Powertrain
Many would be disappointed to learn that the Prelude is powered by a front-mounted 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain. With such cars, you expect them to get a V6 at the very least, but that’s not the case here. Nonetheless, the power figures are healthy at 200 bhp & 315Nm.
This also means there is no manual or DCT gearbox on offer. Honda has added an S+ shift mode to give it the feel of a DCT gearbox, but purists would notice this difference. Another disappointing thing to note is that it is an FWD car rather than an RWD one, as a sports car should be.
Luckily, there is one redeeming quality – the mileage. If you wish to own such a car, it would be the least of your worries, but it would be good to know that you can extract 15-20kmpl from your sports car.
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Features
The common perception is that sports cars can’t be luxurious. You have to suffer with a prehistoric interior and a spine-breaking ride quality. But that is not the case with the Prelude. It is loaded with modern amenities like –
- An ADAS suite
- 9″ infotainment screen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
- 8-speaker Bose audio system
- Wireless charger
- Dual-zone climate control
- Leatherette seats
- 10.2″ driver’s display
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Honda Prelude – Expected Pricing & Launch
The Prelude will be brought into the Indian market via the CBU route, like with the upcoming ZR-V. This means that it won’t be cheap and could be priced around Rs 70-80 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
We expect it to be launched in the latter months of 2026. Honda hopes to attract the car-enthusiast segment in India with the Prelude, but with the rising popularity of the MG Cyberster, which is priced similarly, it faces several challenges before succeeding.
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Hi, I’m Ravindra Meena , a bike and automobile enthusiast. I share honest reviews, mileage tests, and latest updates about bikes, cars, and EVs to help you make the right choice. Stay connected for real-world insights and trending auto news! 🏍️🚗