New Honda Prelude Turns Heads Among Older Men in Japan; Early Owners Share First Impressions
The highly anticipated reborn Honda Prelude is already making waves among early adopters in Japan, with initial units selling out and customer deliveries commencing last month. As the hybrid sports coupe begins its life on the road, owners are eagerly sharing their first impressions. Notably, a Japanese car blog, Creative Trend, reports a fascinating social phenomenon: the new Prelude seems to be a magnet for attention from older men, many of whom once owned earlier versions of the iconic model.
Encounters With Strangers: A Nod to Nostalgia
The author of Creative Trend frequently encounters men in their 60s or older while driving the new Prelude. These interactions often involve nostalgic conversations about their past ownership of older Prelude models or comparable classics like the Nissan Fairlady Z.
- Curiosity and Questions: Discussions quickly pivot to the new car’s price, performance, and practicality. The Prelude’s sticker price of 6.18 million yen (around $41,000 USD) has become a talking point, with some questioning its value as a hybrid coupe in today’s market.
- Mixed Reactions: While some express admiration and curiosity, others voice criticisms regarding design changes and the perceived departure from the character of older models. A few even asked for a ride, showcasing their intrigue.
Engineering Insights: A Street-Focused Hybrid
Beyond social encounters, early owners are providing valuable technical insights into the Prelude’s engineering.
- Civic Type R Components: The new Prelude shares suspension components with the renowned Civic Type R, promising a sporty foundation.
- Braking System: It features an electric servo braking system, differing from the Type R’s hydraulic setup.
- Performance Tuning: This combination delivers strong stability and confident stopping power for public roads. However, the owner notes that the car is not specifically tuned for aggressive circuit performance, aligning with its hybrid sports coupe positioning.
Owner’s First Impressions: Efficiency, Stability, and Minor Quirks
Having covered over 560 miles within the first week, the Prelude’s owner has outlined some early pros and cons:
- Pros: The car is efficient and stable, offering sufficient performance for city driving, winding roads, and highway use.
- Cons:
- Automatic headlights engage earlier than expected, a characteristic linked to Japanese traffic regulations requiring activation below certain brightness levels.
- Rear visibility in heavy rain is reportedly poor, a common compromise in coupe styling, exacerbated by the absence of a rear wiper.
US Launch Imminent: Anticipating American Reactions
The Honda Prelude is expected to go on sale in the US later this year, and once it hits American roads, we can anticipate a similar wave of first impressions and nostalgic reactions from owners. As of now, American Honda has yet to provide official pricing for the returning sports coupe. The blend of its iconic nameplate, hybrid powertrain, and subtle performance tuning will undoubtedly spark conversations among car enthusiasts and past Prelude owners on this side of the world.
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