Honda Speaks Up About The Slowest Acceleration Of The Latest Prelude

Honda Prelude 2026. (Photo: Honda)

The latest Honda Prelude is in the spotlight after the results of the acceleration test in Japan showed performance far below expectations. The manufacturer immediately gave a statement regarding performance beyond the expectations of many people.

Based on a Carscoops report, the two-door coupe, which is predicted to be the revival of the Honda sports icon, recorded more than nine seconds to accelerate from 0100 km/hour.

In the testing video circulating, Prelude recorded a time of 9.08 seconds in standard mode and 9.10 seconds using Sport mode. This figure is considered too slow for a sporty-style car that carries the legacy of the big name Prelude which used to be synonymous with performance and agility.

In response to this, a Honda spokesperson stated that the company had not released official data for the acceleration of 060 mph or about 0100 km/h. However, he estimates that the 2026 Prelude performance will be equivalent to the Honda Civic hybrid model.

"Traditionally, Honda did not report a figure of 060 mph because the results were strongly influenced by external factors such as road conditions, air temperature, and battery conditions in the hybrid model," said a Honda spokesperson quoted Wednesday, October 15.

Technically, the new Prelude is equipped with a four-cylinder 2.0 liter engine with a hybrid system of two electric motors which produces a combined power of 200 hp or around 203 PS. However, the weight of the car which reaches 1,460 kilograms seems to be one of the reasons its performance feels restrained.

In the Japanese market, the Honda Prelude is offered at prices ranging from 6,179,800 yen, or around Rp. 678 million. Although considered less powerful, Honda insists that the latest Prelude is not intended as a pure sports car, but rather a sporty-style coup with a focus on stability and driving comfort.

This car uses a dual-axis front suspension of the strut which is also used on the Civic Type R, adaptive damping, and four-piston Brembo front brakes to improve control on various road conditions.

With a design that combines elegant and modern impressions, Honda hopes that Prelude can attract consumers who want sports-style cars but are still efficient and comfortable to use daily.

Meanwhile, since its launch on September 5, Honda has received more than 2,400 Prelude booking units in just a month. That number is eight times more than the manufacturer's initial estimate.

Most customers are at the age of 50 to 60, and many of them call nostalgia's reasons a major factor. Some dealers have even temporarily closed orders due to too long queues.