Honda New Zealand has confirmed two of the brand’s most significant global models are Kiwi-bound: the e:Ny1 pure-electric compact-SUV and the much-talked-about reboot of the classic Prelude coupe, with hybrid power and a new development called Shift+.
The e:Ny1 is familiar already in a global sense. Launched in 2023, it’s only Honda’s second battery electric vehicle; the first was the Honda e, a cute city hatch that was never sold in NZ (except as a used-import). It was launched in 2020 and discontinued last year.
The e:Ny1 is more mainstream. You could be forgiven for thinking it’s simply an electric version of the HR-V SUV, especially as it even shares some body panels. But it’s on a completely different EV platform and is considered a unique model line.
What’s with the wacky name? There are varying explanations of what it means, but the general consensus is that it’s “e” for electric (of course), the rest broadly suggesting it’s an EV for “anyone”.
Honda NZ says it won’t share further detail on pricing and specification until May, but right-hand models sold in the UK have a 68.8kWh battery giving 412km range. It reaches 100km/h in 7.6 seconds. But we will definitely see the e:Ny1 this year.
In 2026, the brand’s local range will ramp up on sustainable sportiness with the reborn Prelude coupe, which is loosely based on the Civic platform and will feature e:HEV technology with a new transmission called Shift+.
Honda already uses Active Sound Control (ASC) to simulate a more responsive engine note and conventional gearchanges in e:HEV continuously variable transmission models.
Shift+ takes it a step further by endowing the powertrain with more aggressive performance car-style “gearchanges”, synchronising vehicle speed with engine sound. Drivers will be able to use shift paddles to further replicate the experience of a petrol-engined vehicle with conventional transmission.
“With quick gearshift responses achieved through the coordination of the engine and high-power motor, Honda S+ Shift function will strive to offer the joy of driving based on direct response to driver input,” says the company.
The first Prelude was launched 47 years ago and produced in five generations until 2000.
