OK, deep breaths, everyone… Yes, the Honda Prelude is back after a gap of some 25 years. Yes, it's coming to Ireland and in right-hand drive, and it's a hybrid, rather than going down the fully-electric route. And now, we have a price for buying one in Ireland…
And that price is…
That price… has just been announced by Honda Ireland, part of the Gowan Auto group, and…
Yes..?
It's maybe slightly more than you were hoping, but still not quite in the stratosphere….
Arrrgh! Stop teasing us!
Sorry, went a bit Pop Idol there. The price is €59,995.
That is quite pricey…
It is, but then we have to take it in context. It's cheaper, for instance, than the Civic Type-R, which, now no longer in production, was Honda's previous explicitly sporty car. Also, if you want a 2+2 coupe, it's kind of the only game in town unless you fancy spending a minimum of €65,000 on a BMW 4 Series or €73,000 on a Mercedes CLE.
What kind of spec does that money get me?
The Prelude will come in a single specification, featuring an 184hp e:HEV hybrid system based on a 2.0-litre petrol engine. That includes the Honda S+ Shift, which adds simulated gear changes to the powertrain that would otherwise be completely seamless, because most of the time it runs on its electric motor, using the engine as a generator.
You'll also have switchable driving modes - 'Comfort', 'GT', 'Sport', and 'Individual' - all of which tweak the hybrid powertrain, suspension and steering response to your tastes.
Inside, you can choose from a white-and-blue or black-and-blue colour scheme, and there's a combo of a ten-inch driver's digital instrument screen and a nine-inch infotainment system (which, praise be, also comes with plenty of proper physical buttons too). There's an eight-speaker Bose stereo, and if you flip down the back seats, there's a massive 663 litres of luggage space.
What about colours?
You can choose from Moonlit White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rallye Red, and Racing Blue Pearl.
When can I have one?
Right… about…
Come on, don't leave me hanging…
About…
Argh!
…Now! Speaking on the Prelude's return to the Irish market, John Saunders, Managing Director of Honda Ireland, said, "We are delighted to have the Prelude back in the Irish market after 25 years. The all-new Prelude has been eagerly anticipated by driving enthusiasts in Ireland and will be available across the Honda dealer network to order from July. This marks an exciting return to the market for the Honda Prelude at an incredible entry price of €59,995.”