Honda has unveiled the interior of its upcoming 2026 Prelude coupe, revealing a design that blends Civic familiarity with coupe-specific refinements.
The latest prototype, shown at a recent event in Tokyo, confirms the hybrid two-door will target global markets - including New Zealand - in late 2025 through 2026.
While much of the switchgear and infotainment carry over from the Honda Civic and Acura Integra, the Prelude carves out its own space with a reworked dashboard, a raised centre console and a simplified gear interface.
A prominent 'S+ Shift' button replaces the traditional gear lever, designed to simulate gear changes through sound and torque mapping while enhancing driver engagement despite the absence of a conventional transmission.
Divergent seats
One standout interior feature is the asymmetrical front seating.
The driver’s seat prioritises lateral support, while the passenger seat leans toward comfort, with softer cushioning and contours.
Honda has also addressed ease of entry with padded side sills and doors shaped to reduce scuffing during ingress.
Visually, the cabin blends modern and retro. The show car’s white and navy interior is accented by houndstooth fabric and leather on the front seats, with a more utilitarian all-black treatment for the rear.
Space in the rear is tight - as expected from a coupe - but the liftback tailgate opens to reveal a usable cargo area.
Civic roots, sharper chassis
Underpinning the Prelude is a modified version of the Civic’s platform, with key changes: a shorter wheelbase, wider tracks, increased rigidity and weight savings. The aim is a more agile, grand tourer-like character.
Power comes from a self-charging hybrid setup built around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors, driving the front wheels.
Although mechanically gearless, software-controlled pseudo shifts inject drama into acceleration.
The near-production Prelude appeared at the Red Bull Showrun event in Tokyo, driven by Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers. It shared the spotlight with Honda’s futuristic 0 Series SUV concept, further signalling the brand’s shift toward hybrid and EV platforms.
