The Honda's 2+2 coupe has been reintroduced to the import market after 34 years, maintaining its original essence by providing good drivability and performance. However, the first contact with the vehicle at the Interlagos racetrack indicated that it does not offer a feeling of total grip to the seat after a few laps.
The Prelude has a history of attractive design since its debut in Japan in 1978, and this characteristic persists. According to the manufacturer, its shape resembles the profile of a glider. The car features 19-inch wheels, which clearly display blue-painted brake calipers, and uses 235/40 R19 tires.
Interior and mechanical characteristics
With a wheelbase of 2,605 mm and a height of 1,355 mm, the rear seat is suitable only for children, following the standard of other sports cars. The trunk accommodates 264 liters. A notable detail is the driver's seat, which is firmer than the passenger's, and the ergonomics facilitate access to all controls. The vehicle is equipped with two USB-C ports, a 9-inch multimedia center with wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and eight airbags.
The Prelude operates as a full hybrid, combining a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine of 143 hp and 19.1 kgfm with two electric motors (one for traction and one generator), totaling 184 hp and 32.1 kgfm. The combined power reaches 203 hp, with a combined torque of 32.1 kgfm. The gearbox features eight virtual gears and punta-tacco simulation. At high speeds, such as on long straights or at the racetrack, the combustion engine drives the front wheels; however, most of the time, only the electric motors operate, while the gasoline engine acts as a generator.
Its structure inherited from the Type R includes adaptive dampers, making directional precision a strong point, which was evident at Interlagos. This feature provides safety to the driver even in open curves and on the Ferradura uphill, considered one of the most challenging at the São Paulo circuit due to its layout. Although Honda does not disclose the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in Brazil, international tests indicate times between 6.4 seconds (with the battery fully charged) and 6.7 seconds. When using the virtual gears, these times increase to the range of 7.3 to 9.2 seconds.
Comparison with Audi SUVs and Wagons
In a market heavily dominated by SUVs, Audi opts for a bold approach when renewing its line of station wagons, presenting different mechanical and technological proposals. The A5 Avant S-Line is equipped with a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 272 hp and 40.8 kgfm. It uses a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automated transmission and on-demand all-wheel drive, with ranges of 487 km in the city and 644 km on the highway.
The A6 Avant e-tron S-Line is fully electric, larger in all its dimensions, and offers a trunk capacity of 502 L, plus 27 L in the front compartment (totaling 54 L more than the A5). This model has a 367 hp and 57.6 kgfm motor, with rear-wheel drive. Its 800V architecture supports a 100 kWh battery and achieves 440 km (Inmetro standard). The charging system accepts up to 270 kW in DC current, allowing replenishment from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes. Energy recovery during deceleration can be adjusted between coasting and one-pedal mode, selectable via paddles on the steering wheel.
The digital screen setups are a highlight, including an 11.9-inch instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch multimedia center, and another 10.9-inch screen dedicated to the passenger. The vehicle also features a variable opacity panoramic sunroof, a head-up display projector, and a complete suite of driving assistance (ADAS).
A dynamic evaluation conducted on the route between São Paulo and Porto Feliz (SP) highlighted the refinement of the suspension tuning and acoustic insulation in both models. The A5 demonstrates almost imperceptible gear changes, while the A6 e-tron prioritizes progressiveness. The combustion-powered wagon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. However, the A6 Avant e-tron achieves superior acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, despite weighing 410 kg more due to the battery and slightly larger dimensions.
In summary, although the models have distinct propulsion concepts, they share dynamic excellence and build quality. The final choice will depend on the preference between combustion or electric engine, as well as the price factor.