Honda Cars PH confirms arrival of Prelude, Zero series
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is celebrating 35 years of operations – and it’s dropped news of a truly electrifying future.
HCPI president Rie Miyake announced on Friday at the opening of “Honda Fest” in Festival Mall Promenade Parking in Muntinlupa City that the Japanese carmaker will be bringing in the Prelude hybrid-electric coupe in 2026, along with the 0 (Zero) series battery-electric vehicles (EV) after their global launch.
The Prelude was officially previewed at the event (alongside the fourth-generation Prelude of renowned influencer Macoy Dubs) and will be on display until Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Electrified two-door
With global sales officially starting this year, the sixth-generation Prelude continues the nameplate’s tradition of being a touring-oriented coupe with 2-plus-2 seating.
Notable styling cues include the steeply raked roofline that leads the eye to the long hatchback (or fastback) tailgate. In addition, the Prelude stands out from its Civic cousin with things like pop-out door handles, intricate LED headlights with extended LED daytime-running lights and full-width LED taillights.
Although final Philippine specifications have yet to be released, the Prelude on display at Honda Fest 2025 had gloss-black, 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40-series tires, as well as blue brake calipers. It also had light-gray leather upholstery as standard.
In other markets, the Prelude is powered by a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission with Honda’s S+ Shift technology that simulates the shifts of a manual gearbox. Combined output is 200 horsepower, with the electric motor producing up to 315 Newton-meters of torque.
“This is a new phase of our expanded hybrid lineup,” Miyake said, referring to HCPI’s e:HEV lineup as of press time, composed of the Civic, HR-V and CR-V.
“We believe there is no better way to bridge our legacy and elevated technologies than with the Prelude,” she added. “It is a classic made even better with its electrification, creating a nostalgic and advanced experience for the driver. We hope you will show the Prelude lots of love once it is launched next year.”
All-electric trio
Meanwhile, the Honda 0 (Zero) series is the carmaker’s EV lineup that is composed of the entry-level 0 a (Zero Alpha) crossover, the 0 Saloon and the 0 SUV.
Although only concepts of all three models have been presented so far, Honda said it is planning to begin global sales of the 0 a in 2027, mainly in Japan and India. All models will also get the ASIMO Operating System, which the company said will enable continuous advancement of various functions even after the purchase of the vehicle.
“We will be bringing these models to the Philippines after the global launch to expand the possibilities of life for Filipino customers, as well as our commitment towards carbon neutrality,” Miyake said.
Honda Motor Company director, president and representative Toshihiro Mibe in a speech at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) last October that the next-generation 0 series signifies the carmaker starting “from zero” to create new EVs “based on original ideas.”
“With the unique development approach of ‘Thin, Light, and Wise,’ Honda 0 Series will defy existing conventions that EVs are ‘thick and heavy’ and create completely new value,” he said.
Miyake’s speech likewise confirms the statement of Honda 0 a product specialist Toshikazu Hirose, who said the company is also looking into launching the EV in ASEAN markets.
“It’s currently right-hand drive and that’s why we are developing left-hand drive to go into the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the 2025 JMS.
Given the reluctance of many Japanese carmakers to commit to EVs, will HCPI be the first legacy brand to break the local stranglehold of Chinese automakers in electrified vehicles?
