Honda Prelude - looking past the cover.
An old proverb advises against judging a book by
its cover.

Yet Honda's 1997 Prelude sports coupe attracted unusual comments while on test; "Where’d they get those headlights?" - "Too ugly for a
Prelude," etc, etc…

Well, yes, it does have a decidedly different look about it, but Honda believes the new appearance appeals to a much wider market of potential
Prelude buyers.

I actually accepted the unique look of the headlights quite readily, though I am still not so certain about the slightly awkward way the roofline C-pillar meets up with the boot lid.

But buyers are more likely to be impressed by the pricing policy enforced by Honda's beancounters.

The base-model S has been deleted, with the Si now boasting standard features that include power windows/mirrors, central locking, air-conditioning, dual airbags, cruise control and alloy wheels - at around $5300 less than the previous model S.

The cost-cutting admittedly did away with smaller niceties - no lumbar adjustment in the driving seat, the spare wheel is now a space-saver, one level of moquette fabric trim is used throughout the entire Prelude range, and I had to check a previous model to verify that a strut rod for the bonnet was new, replacing the gas struts of before.

Seating is still excellent, supportive in all the right places with good legroom, there are drink-holders that actually do hold things securely, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a delight to hold - I suppose we can blame cost-cutting for the passenger getting the only (uncovered) vanity mirror.

But the beancounters' razor did not touch the VTEC engine, fitted to the VTi-R test vehicle with an
all-new transmission.

Producing a big-time 143kW of power from a 4-cylinder engine of just 2.2 litres, this techno-wiz powerplant remains proof that Honda can make an engine do great things without turbocharging.

When VTEC comes `on-song' at higher rpm, opening the valves wider and for longer, the difference is obvious to the ears - and the
seat of the pants.
Honda Prelude 1997 - a decidedly different look.


A `grippable' steering wheel and
good ergonomic layout.


Auto with a difference -
Honda's Sport Shift automatic.


Only 2.2 litres - but the VTEC engine sings a powerful tune.
Previously available with manual gears only, the VTEC engine can now be coupled with the new Sport Shift auto, which allows the choice of simply selecting D and letting it look after itself, or changing gears semi-manually.

In D mode it is a model of good behaviour, with smooth shifts both up and down, but Sport Shift is another matter (my tape recorder captured the engine's rising RPM, and my own sophisticatedly restrained comment - it went something like `Yee-haaa!').

Such performance, quite extraordinary in relation to the engine's capacity, is enough to make one ponder why a turbo would ever be needed, though VTEC likes premium unleaded petrol which can still be hard to find in some rural areas of Australia.

My heavy right foot resulted in a fuel consumption average of 11.8 L/100km (24mpg), well shy of its claimed highway figure of 8.0 L/100km, but I managed a best of 8.8 (32mpg).

Last rung up the model ladder is the VTi-R ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System), which basically sounds like a hi-tech limited slip differential.

For an extra $4000 it is claimed to offer virtually neutral handling, but I found no cause for complaint with the handling of the VTi-R anyway.

Honda Prelude may look different, but its basic premise of outstanding performance and handling remains fully intact - beneath the covers.

Nuts-N-Bolts
Engine:

2.2 litre (2159cc) transverse in-line 4 cylinder, Double OverHead Cam with VTEC 4 valves per cylinder.
Power/Torque: 143kW @ 7000rpm/212Nm @ 5250rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed Sport Shift auto
Suspension: Independent, all-round double wishbones.
Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion
Brakes: Four wheel discs (front vented), with ABS
Warranty: Three years/80,000kms
Recommended Retail (+ onroads): From $39,550 (Prelude Si) As tested (Prelude VTi-R) $48,850

 

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