The Honda Prelude is back after 25 years. At $65,000, it needs to earn the nostalgia.

Honda has put the Prelude back on sale in Australia, priced at $65,000 driveaway in a single fully equipped grade. The sports coupe returns after an absence of more than 25 years, now built around Honda's e:HEV hybrid system rather than a four-cylinder petrol engine.

What it is

The Prelude is a two-door, front-wheel-drive hybrid coupe sitting on a chassis derived from the Civic Type R. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 147kW and 315Nm. A new S+ Shift function uses throttle mapping and sound calibration to simulate gear changes via paddle shifters, giving the car a stepped-feel response during hard acceleration and braking. Brembo four-piston front brakes are standard.

The spec sheet at $65,000

For the money, Honda includes five exterior colour choices at no extra cost, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment screen, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and Honda Sensing active safety. The car is sold under Honda's One Price Promise. The warranty is five years and unlimited kilometres, backed by five years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.

Fuel consumption is not yet officially confirmed for Australia, but e:HEV variants in the CR-V and ZR-V consistently return under 5.5L/100km in mixed driving. Expect similar figures here.

Cartell Assessment

Here is the honest read: a Toyota GR86 starts at $43,490 plus ORCs. A Mazda MX-5 from $42,640. A Nissan Z from $58,900. The Prelude at $65,000 is asking to sit above all of them on price, with 147kW through the front wheels and no manual option. The Type R underpinnings and Brembo hardware are the best arguments for it. The simulated gearshift will interest some buyers and leave others cold. If Honda's drive event proves the chassis actually feels sharp, this car has a case. The name alone will not save it.

AU Outlook

On sale now through Honda dealers. Allocations are expected to be limited at launch. Independent road tests on Australian roads are expected later this month. Watch for fuel consumption figures and whether the S+ Shift feels earned or gimmicky at the wheel.