All-new 2026 Honda Prelude launched in Malaysia: Debuts S+ Shift virtual gearbox, priced from RM 278k

More than a decade after the discontinuation of the Honda CR-Z, Honda Malaysia is making a return to the hybrid sports car segment with the all-new sixth generation 2026 Honda Prelude. Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the Prelude is priced from RM 278,000.

For reference, the FL5 Civic Type R is priced from RM 399,900.

Where the Type R is a time-attack machine built to set lap records, the Prelude, like all previous generations of model, is a casual sports car. Actually, the Prelude’s comfort-biased character is closer to that of a grand tourer, albeit a rather compact one.

Unlike mild-hybrid CR-Z, the Prelude combines the best of the full-hybrid Civic e:HEV RS’ 2.0-litre engine (203 PS total system output) with chassis control hardware from the FL5 Civic Type R (steering rack, dual-axis strut suspension, Brembo brakes, engine bay’s structure).

The Prelude also debuts Honda’s S+ Shift virtual gearbox feature in Malaysia. It simulates the driving experience of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, not just with synthesized engine noise, but complete with shift shock and rev matching. The latter two are only possible because under the Prelude’s hood is a revving engine and a lock-up clutch.

With the Drive Mode set to Sport, S+ Shift reverses the logic of hybrid cars. When you lift off the throttle to brake and dive into a cambered corner, a hybrid drivetrain will by default, cut the engine to switch into regenerative braking mode.

In this scenario, S+ Shift will keep the engine’s rpm high, holding to a pre-set virtual gear ratio as steer into a corner. S+ Shift builds on Honda’s Cornering Logic control to delay upshifts only you are powering out.

The software intelligently manipulates the engine’s rpm and even retards the drive motor for very brief period, thus amplifying the difference in rotational speed between the drive motor and engine. When the lock-up clutch engages, this difference in rotational speed results in the ‘shift shock’ that Prelude drivers appreciate.

It’s not meant to be a full-on Type R experience, because that’s not what Prelude buyers are looking for. The goal is to deliver an engaging enough experience in a casual drive with your partner.

Unlike the Civic, the all-new Prelude uses a button-type ‘gear’ selector, similar to the one seen in the fully electric e:N1.

The door handles are flushed but don’t assume this to be the same as Chinese EVs.This is a mechanical door handle that you simply press on the handle’s trailing edge to flip it out. There is a motorized retractor but the door's opening and closing are purely done by mechanical latches. It doesn't rely on motors to pop open so there's no worry about you getting trapped in the car in an accident.

Key features in the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude are:

• Full suite of Honda Sensing ADAS functions, with Blind Spot Monitor (replaces LaneWatch)
• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Brembo brakes
• Button-operated ‘gear’ selection
• 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen with Google Built-In
• 8-speaker Bose audio system
• White leather seats with embossed Prelude logo

Four colours are available – Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Moonlit White Pearl. The Racing Blue Pearl colour, which is available in Indonesia, is not offered here.

Like all recent Honda hybrid models, the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude’s hybrid battery and other hybrid-related components are covered by a 10-year unlimited mileage warranty.