Honda Malaysia Teases Prelude In Anniversary Video – Coming Soon?

Based on its latest teaser appearance in a local promotional video by Honda Malaysia, the Prelude hybrid sports coupe could be earmarked for launch in Malaysia.

It looks like Honda Malaysia could soon have another sporty performance offering next to the FL5-gen Civic Type R. Through its latest promotional video celebrating its 25th anniversary, the firm had teased the Honda Prelude (see the video embedded below).

The appearance of the Prelude in the promotional video mentioned towards the end of which is significant - it appeared as part of an official locally produced corporate content. In turn, this likely suggests that the firm may be seriously considering the model for Malaysia soon.

As a refresher, Honda revived its Prelude sports coupe nameplate as an EV first in 2023 as a before launching it as a hybrid-powered sporty coupe offering in 2024. The same concept was also shown locally during KLIMS 2024 before Japanese domestic market sales began back in Sept this year.

Honda Malaysia famously showed the Prelude in concept form to Malaysians during KLIMS 2024.

Powering the Prelude is the marque’s typical hybrid powertrain combination lifted from the Civic e:HEV model. It features a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol mill that’s augmented by an e-motor and compact battery pack plus an eCVT automatic box.

Whilst the combustion (ICE) side has a rated output of 141 PS and 182 Nm, the electrified half brings 184 PS and 315 Nm into the mix. Altogether, Honda touts a peak combined output of up to 204 PS.

Japanese market Honda Prelude pictured featuring dual-tone interior option.

We’ll remind you that Honda’s i-MMD hybrid setup works differently versus other systems. Propulsion stems mostly from the e-motor, whereas the ICE mill primarily charges up the battery, but can clutch in directly to drive the front wheels at higher speeds.

Notably, besides a selection of drive modes, the eCVT automatic box mentioned also brings a novel ‘S+ Shift Mode’ that mimics an 8-speed automatic box. This can also be controlled and toggled using paddle-shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

Besides adaptive dampers and the Honda Agile Handling Assist suite, the Prelude also brings a novel 'S+ Shift Mode' function with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

As for the chassis, the sixth-gen Prelude is set to bring adaptive dampers, as well as the Honda Agile Handling Assist suite that promises enhanced steering response and stability during cornering and braking.

As this is a teaser still, details regarding launch timeline and price remains anyone’s guess. With the former, it appears almost certain Honda Malaysia could introduce the Prelude sometime in the next year (2026).

How Honda Malaysia will price the Prelude in 2026 remains uncertain.

For the latter, this is trickier to gauge. Versus the Civic Type R, the Prelude reportedly costs up to 40% more in its domestic home market of Japan. At the same time, it is reportedly priced marginally lower than the hot hatch in North America.

For reference, Honda Malaysia currently retails the Civic Type R locally with an RRP of RM399,900. How the firm will price the Prelude will be something interesting to observe indeed come next year.