Honda Prelude 2025: the hybrid coupé that captivates… but frustrates due to its massive price gap in Europe

The return of the iconic Japanese sports coupé has excited enthusiasts, but its pricing in the European market has sparked real controversy.

Honda Prelude: the most exasperating €15,200 difference

The ongoing price surge affecting both new and used cars in Europe since the 2020 pandemic has become impossible to ignore. One of the models hit hardest by this trend is the new Honda Prelude, a hybrid coupé with a sporty character that, despite not being a high-performance machine, was expected to position itself as an affordable alternative to benchmarks like the Mazda MX-5. Unfortunately, those hopes couldn’t have been further from reality.

An attractive hybrid coupé… but far too expensive in our market

The Honda Prelude features a hybrid powertrain delivering 184 combined hp, shared with the Civic, and is offered in a single trim level called Advance. It comes equipped with dual-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, sport seats with leather-like upholstery, a Bose audio system and the Honda Connect multimedia interface. Everything sounds ideal–until you reach the number that has shocked many: in Spain, the Prelude starts at €49,500, a steep price for a model that is not intended to be a hardcore sports car.

The comparison that infuriates: Japan and the U.S. pay far less

What frustrates enthusiasts even more is discovering that, in Japan, the Prelude starts at €34,500 (converted), over €15,200 less than in Europe. Even in the United States, buyers are luckier: the model costs around €37,335, still considerably cheaper. These differences reflect a structural issue affecting many imported vehicles, influenced by taxes, logistics and market strategies specific to Europe.

Well-sorted dynamics and impressively low consumption

Price aside, the Prelude remains technically appealing. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 188 km/h. Its true strength lies in fuel economy, with a certified consumption of just 5.2 l/100 km, making it a practical coupé for daily use. Additionally, it benefits from chassis tuning inspired by the Civic Type R, one of the world’s most acclaimed front-wheel-drive sports cars. And even with an automatic transmission, Honda has developed the S+ Shift mode, using paddles to simulate gear changes and enhance the car’s sporty character with matching sound.

Practical interior, 2+2 seating and up to five years of warranty

Inside, the Prelude borrows heavily from the Civic’s design–great news for ergonomics and perceived quality. It offers a 2+2 seating layout, a 264-litre boot and a warranty that can extend up to five years with no mileage limit. In short, it’s a well-engineered, efficient and appealing coupé… but its European pricing places it well out of reach for many buyers. And in a market this competitive, that price gap is undoubtedly its biggest drawback.