Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has officially confirmed plans to introduce the latest edition (6th generation) Honda Prelude sports coupe and models from the new Honda 0 Series electric vehicle (EV) lineup to the local market, though specific launch timelines remain fluid.
HCPI President Rie Miyake confirmed the moves during a press conference held with Philippine motoring media at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, with subsequent updates indicating a more concrete target for its local debut within the first half of 2026. The reintroduction follows the near sell-out of the limited-production Civic Type R units.
24 years after it was discontinued, the Prelude has made it back to Honda’s production lines, instantly regaining its reputation as one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates. The re-introduced, 6th generation coupe, now a hybrid electric vehicle, has already generated significant interest in its home market, surpassing sales expectations with around 2,400 reservations in its first month in Japan.
The new Prelude features Honda’s next-generation Sports e:HEV powertrain – combining a two-liter direct-injection engine with two electric motors. The combined power units deliver a maximum output of 141 horsepower (engine) and 181 horsepower (motor), providing a combined system peak torque of 315 Newton-meters. It boasts a highly efficient fuel consumption rating of 23.6 kilometers per liter (WLTC standard) and is capable of a top speed of around 188 km/h. The drivetrain is complemented by Honda’s S+ Shift technology, which simulates virtual gear changes, and paddle shifters for manual control.
HCPI also confirmed the future arrival of models from the Honda 0 Series, the company’s dedicated battery EV lineup, which is expected to debut in the Philippines after the Prelude. The production phase for the 0 Series is projected to start in the next year or two, with sales for the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV variants targeted in North America first. Philippine-bound units of the 0 Series models, which will mark Honda’s first fully electric offering in the country, are anticipated to be sourced from India, following its planned sales launch there and in Japan in 2027.
