Honda recently announced that the upcoming all-new Prelude will soon hit the global showrooms. However, it has already ruffled a few feathers even before its release. One example is that the Prelude will run as a hybrid with a new Honda-developed “CVT-ish” transmission called the e-CVT. But what shocked many recently was the model’s price point – it seems more expensive than the Japanese-spec FL5 Civic Type R.
This is according to Creative Trend, a Japanese automotive media outlet. It said that for the Japanese market, the upcoming Honda Prelude, which will be available in September, will be priced at ¥6,179,800 or P2,418,349 in Philippine money today.
In comparison, the Japanese spec FL5 Type R stickers at ¥4,997,300 (P1,955,599), with the range-topping variant called the Civic Type R Racing Black Package selling at ¥5,998,300 (P2,347,322). Do note that the Civic Type R is Honda’s halo car today, and that the Prelude is historically known as an affordable entry-level sports coupe.
And here’s more. Creative Trend added that Honda will spec the Prelude with no other variant and very limited options, most notably the option to choose a paint color. In Japan, it will come standard with Crystal Black Pearl and Flame Red. Opting for the Meteor Gray Metallic and the featured color here, called the Moonlit White Pearl, will cost extra.
If Creative Trend’s information is legit, the question is why is it priced higher than the famed red Honda badged hot hatchback? The answer could come from a multitude of factors. But we could round them down into a few that may make sense of it all.
Firstly, the Prelude is likely more technologically advanced. It’s one of Hoda’s new models that carries the e:HEV badge, meaning that it runs with a hybrid powertrain that’s shared with the Honda Civic RS 2.0 e:HEV. Even if this performs less than that of the Type R’s, the e:HEV powertrain with its battery pack and electric motors would cost much to make vs. the Type R’s traditional turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE).
Another probable reason is the e-CVT. This Honda-developed transmission system isn’t the CVT many people know. To put it simply, the Honda e-CVT isn’t a CVT at all. It’s a two-motor hybrid system with a single direct drive setup. The first motor powers the front wheels while the other generates electricity. The gasoline engine can override the first motor at certain speeds. The operation is akin to an EV than a regular gasoline engine car with a regular CVT.
But perhaps the most compelling reason for its higher price is that, according to Creative Trend, Honda will cap the initial production of the Prelude to just 2,000 units. This could trigger more interest and a race to get one due to its rarity.
As of this writing, Honda Cars Philippines has yet to give hints on whether it will bring in the all-new Prelude soon. Keep in mind that the FL5 Type R here is retailed at P3,870,000, and that’s not including dealer markups and other charges. If Honda decides to bring in the Prelude someday, would it go the Japanese way and price it at a higher point as well?
