Prelude BF1

[dobly]

My local Honda dealer gave me the keys to the new Prelude while my car was being serviced. Steering, ride and handling all very good and interesting, not numb like many modern cars. The electric drive is very smooth and while not overly rapid, is enough for most situations. Didn t like the fake shifts of the S+ mode, but that is probably just me - I prefer either a traditional manual, or a pure electric motor - not the CVT with artificial stuff to simulate gears.
The interior is great - very good seats in the front, the rears are almost CRX-like, for legless pre-teens only! The central infotainment screen is set a bit too high up the dash for my liking (it s significantly higher than the instrument binnacle) , but I found a very comfortable driving position after just a few minutes.
In fact, the Prelude reminds me of a grown-up CRX-VT with the buzz replaced by smoothness.
The ICE is basically a generator for the EV motor, and is quiet/not obtrusive when it kicks in, and adds oomph when you step on it - but I can t help thinking that the Prelude might have been even better as a full BEV (heresy I know for Honda).
Impressed, but won t be buying one.

Edit to add context - I’m in New Zealand - things are often years behind here, just 4 months in this case…

Edited by dobly on Tuesday 29th September 04:26