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Review: New Honda Prelude – Engineered For Fun!

We all have a car that reminds us of our childhood. Perhaps of our parents, our first drive or something life changing.

For me it is the Honda Prelude, it was life changing because it was the first sports car that I ever drove and this took place way back in 1993.

I was just 11 and I know what you are thinking but times were much simpler then and fathers could teach their kids how to drive from a much younger age. Social media and camera phones make that difficult these days.

The car was a third-generation model belonging to a cousin of mine. The pop-up headlights were befitting of its time and is something we will never be able to see today due to pedestrian safety compliance.

The car I drove back then even came with four-wheel steering, which was revolutionary for its time. And that sums up the Prelude quite well – revolutionary.

I recently got to drive the latest sixth-generation model around Honda’s Tochigi proving ground in Japan. And though three laps are hardly an indication of a car’s capabilities, it is good enough to show what the car has to offer.

And the Honda Prelude is once again, revolutionary.

First, a backgrounder.

Honda pulled the plug on the Prelude in the year 2001. The fifth generation Prelude divided opinions largely due it losing the iconic pop-up headlights but retaining the overall body shape.

And then the Prelude went silent. Relegated to the pages of history, until 2023 when whispers of the name began spreading around the internet.

And then the concept showed up at the 2023 edition of the Japan Mobility Show.

So why wasn’t there more fanfare around the car then?

During a private media interview with Honda’s top management in Tokyo recently, Toshihiro Mibe, President and CEO of Honda Motor Company, revealed that Honda had worked on the car first and then later decided on the name.

So there really was no plan to revive the Prelude. It seems like Honda’s management liked what they saw, green lighted it, drove it and then decided to exhume the Prelude name.

What’s new?

Everything. You cannot expect a car that had disappeared for about 14 years to suddenly reappear with elements from the last car.

The new Prelude shares more in common with the Honda Civic e:HEV RS (hybrid). The platform, engine, electric motor and dashboard are shared with the Civic.

But that is about it.

The suspension components are from the Civic Type R and there are parts of the car that are entirely new and unique to the Prelude.

And that is where it derives its character from, the new components that give it such a lithe character in the corners, despite it sharing its powertrain with the Civic hybrid.

How does it drive?

I only had about three laps with it, which is far from ideal but that was good enough to tell you three things about it – it sounds better from the inside than it does from the outside, “gearshifts” are spine tingling despite there not being a gearbox, more on that later, and it handles as if it were on rails.

Powering the car is the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine putting out 200hp and 315Nm of torque.

Power is sent directly to the front wheels via an electric motor rather than through a transmission box. So, there are times when the motor drives the car, such as at lower speed and such. S

I did not experience the motor driving the wheels, but I know how that works after spending hours with the Civic hybrid.

Now onto the suspension, which largely contributes to the character of the car.

The front is managed by dual-axis struts, which is carried over from the Civic Type R. This works to reduce torque steer which is important for a front-wheel-drive car.

The rear on the other hand is kept in check by multi-links, which is not at all surprising.

But the Prelude also comes with adaptive dampers which it also shares with the Type R. This works together with the selected drive mode, of which there are four – Comfort, GT, Sport, Individual, to either give you more control of the car or to trudge along in comfort.

The Prelude also has wider track dimensions which improves stability and corner entry. And yes, it is the same as the Type R as well.

Might as well get it out of the way now, even the brakes are the same as the Type R, and yes they are from Brembo.

So, as you have probably figured out by now, a lot of the important bits underneath the car are from the Civic Type R, and that is what gives it its agility in and out of corners.

In long sweeping corners, the car feels planted and confident. Under heavy braking for a tight 90-degree corner, the front bites hard while the rear sticks in place and does not threaten to break grip and swap places with the front.

This is also achieved with a technology called ‘enhanced agile handling assist’. This system works by subtly braking the inner wheels during cornering and thus allowing for a more precise line from corner turn-in to exit.

The handling is short of being on a knife’s edge and that is a good thing because you don’t want a car that feels too fidgety.

The Prelude is ultimately designed to be a GT than it is, say a successor to the Civic Type R.

But there are two elements that make it feel like a proper sports car though.

The first is the engine note. If you have ever driven the Civic hybrid, you may know that the engine does not sound very spirited.

But not in the Prelude, and the reason it sounds so good is because the engine note is augmented and piped into the cabin through the speakers.

And though it may not be real, it sounds so good that it you really wouldn’t mind it.

Then there are the gearshifts. Fake as well because there is no gearbox, power is sent directly to the wheels through the electric motor.

Called the Honda S+ Shift, this simulates a performance transmission by providing downshift blips, rev matching and even seems to hold a gear in fast, flowing corners.

It also simulates the power cuts which we usually experience in between shifts, so you really do get the little jolt in your spine during acceleration.

How Honda has engineered this entire experience is nothing short of phenomenal, and it adds a character to the car that you simply need to experience for yourself to understand.

Is there anything not to like?

The car itself is nothing short of fantastic. We could argue all day about whether or not it is a real Prelude with some saying it probably should be called the successor to the CR-Z since it is a hybrid. But we can all agree that the Prelude name made everyone pay more attention to it than a CR-Z ever could.

The only problem that I may have with it is the price tag. There are rumours suggesting that the Prelude will be priced even higher than the RM399,000 tag on the Civic Type R. That is because coupe’s have a higher tax rate than sedans.

With a price tag of upwards of RM400,000, that may be hard to digest for purists. But I do hope that Honda Malaysia has a couple of tricks up its sleeve since the teasers have already begun and it is only a matter of time till the car is launched here.

Specifications:
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle
Transmission: Honda S+ Shift
Power: 200hp
Torque: 315Nm
Price: Not available

We like: Super fun to drive
We don’t like: Might be pricey

Hyundai Strengthens Malaysian Presence With New EON Dealership Partnership

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has taken another step to deepen its roots in the local market after signing a Letter of Intent with Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad, better known as EON, setting the stage for a renewed retail expansion across the country. The agreement signals Hyundai’s intent to grow its presence in Malaysia in a more meaningful way, with a clear focus on long-term customer value, stronger service standards and easier access to its products and support network.

Under the collaboration, Hyundai and EON will work together to establish two new Hyundai dealerships in key growth areas, namely the Klang Valley and Penang. Both outlets are targeted to open in the first half of 2026. These locations were selected based on strong demand, growing interest from customers and a noticeable rise in hybrid adoption, making them strategic centres for Hyundai’s expanding line-up.

The upcoming dealerships are intended to bring Hyundai’s sales, service and aftersales operations closer to major population hubs, helping to build trust through more convenient and consistent customer touchpoints. Beyond improving accessibility, the partnership is also expected to help Hyundai reach new groups of buyers while supporting Malaysia’s broader move towards safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility solutions. Over the coming years, Hyundai plans to further develop its local ecosystem by widening dealer coverage and raising service quality across the board.

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Proton Ends November with Strong Sales

Proton had a strong month in November, selling 13,451 cars in Malaysia and overseas. This brings the total for the year so far to 143,322 units. This number is 3.6% higher than the same period last year, meaning Proton is almost guaranteed to finish the year with sales growth.

This success is happening even though Malaysia’s overall car market is slightly down by 0.9%. For November, Proton is expected to hold an 18.4% market share, and 19.7% for the whole year so far. This keeps Proton as the second best-selling car brand in the country.

Saga, X50 and S70 Continue to Lead

The Proton Saga was the best-selling model again in November with 6,931 units. Its total for the year is now 66,038 units. Despite Proton switching to the new Saga, sales stayed strong because the factory is speeding up production. More than 30,000 bookings have already been made for the new model.

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Near Product Ready Caterham Project V Will Debut At Tokyo Auto Salon

Caterham has confirmed that it will unveil the first working prototype of Project V at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon on the 9th of January 2026.

The Project V, built in partnership with Italdesign, was initially announced back in September 2022, and has since undergone multiple updates.

The most significant announcement came in October of 2024 when Caterham announced Yamaha as a development partner, providing e-axel technology which will be built by Tokyo R&D.

Now the company will move on to evaluating Yamaha’s rear-mounted electric motor, as well as the performance of the battery, safety and the durability of the car’s chassis.

Caterham CEO Kazuho Takahashi said this next step will enable the company to complete a comprehensive vehicle testing programme.

Takahasi is also the president and founder of Japanese firm VT Holdings, which acquired Caterham in 2021.

The Project V was first shown to the media and public at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed and back then the company said it will be launched in 2026.

But with a price tag of about £80,000 (about RM441,000 before taxes), an output of 268hp and a range of 400km, it remains to be seen how the company will be received by the market. Particularly now since the market for electric performance cars has slowed down.

As for performance, the Project V will accelerate to 100kmh in under 4.5 seconds and top out at 230km/h.

Opinion: Your New Car May Not Work One Day & Here’s Why!

One of the biggest news in the automotive industry in the past week comes out of Russia, and it should be a source of concern for everyone that has bought or plans to buy a new car.

Hundreds of Porsche owners in Russia reported issues with their cars which included not being able to start the engine, or shutting down after ignition or simply not being able to unlock their cars.

Porsche models dating back as far back as 2013 were apparently affected by this supposed attack.

According to international automotive media outlets, owners awoke on December 1st to find that their Porsches were “mysteriously inoperable”.

Media outlets like The Moscow Times were quoted as suggesting that “it is possible this was done deliberately”, though the publication also noted that there was no evidence in support of the theory.

Russian importer Porsche Rusland LLC was also quoted confirming the existence of the problem yet Porsche’s headquarters in Germany has yet to issue a statement at the time of writing.

Yulia Trushkova, Service Director at Rolf (a popular Russian automotive dealership), confirmed that Porsches built post-2013 were affected, “likely due to a coordinated attack on the onboard immobiliser system”.

Such systems are integral parts of a vehicle’s security system and prevents unauthorised operation or theft of a car.
According to cyber security news outlets, Trushkova also speculated that the so called cyber-attacks may be the result of geopolitical tensions, possibly the work of external state-sponsored hackers using advanced cyber capabilities to target Russian consumers and the automotive industry.

So why should this be a cause of concern for you and me?

Because all new cars come with such anti-theft systems installed and if someone wanted to, a new car can easily be remotely accessed as well.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that hackers are now targeting critical infrastructure in more creative ways. And by hacking and disabling a vehicle’s immobilising system, hackers can cause severe transportation disruptions.

Merely disabling a car is only the tip of the iceberg, some cars particularly those with autonomous driving capability can also be remotely piloted as well. An eerie resemblance to the 2023 movie Leave the World Behind where hundreds of Teslas were remotely operated and driven into a massive pile-up on a highway.

As for the Porsche problem in Russia, parent group Volkswagen is said to be tracing the root cause of it though I found no official statement from the group on the official news site.

It is also important to keep in mind that Volkswagen halted all business with Russia in 2022 following the Ukrainian invasion, though it has faced difficulty selling some subsidiaries there since.

Volkswagen was also hit by a data breach in 2021 where the database of three million customers were stolen and then again in 2024 where Volkswagen claimed its IT systems were unaffected, though the ransomware gang behind the attack say they made off with troves of sensitive data.

So our data is more important than ever, and it is not just banking data but now also our automotive data.

Review: The Perodua QV-E Is A Great First Effort!

So, it has finally happened. Perodua’s highly anticipated EV has officially been launched by none other than our Prime Minister. That is how big of a deal the car is.

Perodua was tasked by the government with producing Malaysia’s first home grown EV. It had to be 100% Malaysian made, none of that rebadging stuff would be accepted. And Perodua did not just deliver, it aced it. And it took them a little over two years to do it.

It costed the company about RM800 million and 266,000-man hours was invested in research and development alone. So, trust me when I say that this is Malaysia’s most important car since the Proton Saga was introduced back in 1988.

First, let’s look back.

Perodua has undoubtedly come a long way since it first made the announcement that it was working on an electric vehicle circa 2023.

Perodua had to go at it alone since its long-term partner and shareholder Daihatsu does not have its own EV.

If you don’t already know, Daihatsu provides some of the know-how for Perodua cars, and in the early days, models like the Myvi were rebadged Daihatsu’s.

Now though, Perodua Myvis, Axias and Bezzas all have local engineering with localised parts and such. They are no longer simple rebadged Daihatsu’s.

So, Perodua had to go at it alone from the get-go.

Recognising that it had to recruit partners or risk facing unfathomable cost, Perodua went to global automotive giant Magna Steyr for some knowledge transfer.

The Austrian company works with some of the biggest brand in the business such as Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and others. (more…)

Kia Sets Out to Rebuild Its Presence in Malaysia Under a New Principal-Led Structure

Kia is preparing for a significant new chapter in Malaysia as Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM) steps forward as a fully principal-led entity, aiming to reintroduce the brand with clearer direction, stronger support and a far more polished customer experience. The company is taking on local scepticism directly, encouraging Malaysians to reassess the brand with a simple question in mind: why Kia?

KSM’s President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim, has stressed that the company is not racing to be the fastest-growing name in the industry. Instead, the mission is to build steady, long-term progress while prioritising the needs of customers, dealers and the broader Malaysian market. The shift to a direct model, effective from 1 January 2026, means KSM now commands all aspects of the brand locally—from marketing and sales to after-sales and training—allowing it to present Kia’s identity without the limitations of a third-party distributor.

Managing Director Emily Lek explained that operating as a standalone entity gives the brand full control over its messaging and direction. She described this as an exciting return, noting that Kia now has the systems, strategy and freedom to deliver what she considers the brand’s true experience.

Malaysia remains a vital hub for the region, with the Kia Asia Pacific headquarters based here. The APAC office functions as the strategic centre for operations across 33 markets including ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, overseeing six subsidiaries—among them Kia Sales Malaysia and the manufacturing arm, Kia Malaysia.

In 2024, the APAC region accounted for retail sales exceeding 165,000 vehicles, representing a 3.4% market share. With more than 100 staff, the headquarters continues to generate skilled job opportunities, drawing on Malaysia’s talent pool.

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Jetour Rolls Out 2026 X90 Pro, Expanding Its Mid-Size SUV Line-Up

Jetour has introduced the 2026 X90 Pro to the Chinese market, adding a fresh contender to its growing family of SUVs. Five variants are on offer, with prices starting at 135,900 yuan (around RM79,226) and topping out at 167,900 yuan (around RM97,881), placing it firmly in the competitive mid-size segment.

The latest X90 Pro carries Jetour’s updated styling direction, dominated by a bold, upright front grille filled with vertical chrome bars that give the SUV a more assertive presence. The body stretches 4,858 mm from nose to tail, stands 1,780 mm tall and measures 1,925 mm across, while its 2,850 mm wheelbase puts it slightly ahead of the Jetour Dashing in size.

The cabin is configured as standard in a 2+2+2 layout, though five- and seven-seat options remain available for buyers who need either extra cargo room or maximum family capacity. In the five-seat and seven-seat arrangements, the luggage area can be expanded to a substantial 1,634 litres, which should please anyone who regularly hauls bulkier items.

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Smart #6 EHD Edges Closer to Launch with New Images and Full Powertrain Details

Smart has offered a clearer look at its upcoming #6 EHD, releasing a fresh batch of official images and confirming several major specifications following the model’s earlier appearance in documents from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The new material sets the tone for what is shaping up to be the brand’s most ambitious model yet, particularly with its claimed 1,810 km CLTC range, a 285 km electric-only figure and a system output of 429 hp.

The #6 EHD’s plug-in hybrid setup is built around Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0 technology, a configuration that pairs a 161hp 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor. Power is channelled through a 3-speed DHT, forming a combined output of 429hp. Battery details remain under wraps, though Smart confirmed the use of lithium iron phosphate cells supplied by either SVOLT or CATL. Fuel consumption is said to dip as low as 3.9 litres per 100 km, underscoring the emphasis on efficiency.

Smart has already laid the groundwork for expectations with the previously introduced #5 EHD, which uses a similar formula: a 161hp 1.5T engine paired with a 268hp electric motor for the same 429hp total output and a 3-speed DHT. The #6 EHD, however, is set to surpass it in size and positioning.

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Leapmotor B10 Arrives in Malaysia with a Starting Price of RM107,800!

Stellantis Malaysia has introduced the Leapmotor B10 to the local market, marking another strategic push into the electric SUV segment. The model arrives not long after the C10 and builds on the global partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor International, a joint venture aimed at distributing advanced and cost-efficient EVs across more than 20 countries by the end of next year. Its arrival coincides with a strong period for the brand, which recently crossed its one-million-unit milestone and reported more than 70,000 deliveries in November alone.

Two versions of the B10 are available at launch, known as LIFE and DESIGN, and the differences begin with the battery packs. The LIFE runs on a 56.2 kWh unit, while the DESIGN variant carries a larger 67.1 kWh pack. Both cars support an 11 kW on-board charger with matching AC charging capability. Their DC performance varies, however, with the LIFE accepting up to 140 kW and the DESIGN topping out at 168 kW.

This allows a 30% to 80% recharge to be completed in under 20 minutes. The driving range reflects the size difference: the LIFE variant manages 361km on the WLTP cycle, while the DESIGN stretches this to 434km WLTP. Both also come with a 3.3 kW V2L output, enabling the vehicle to power external devices when needed.

The B10 sits on the new LEAP3.5 platform, which fuses the battery pack into the chassis as one integrated structure. Developed with the help of Stellantis’ Chassis Master division, the Cell-to-Chassis 2.0+ approach gives the SUV a low centre of gravity, a well-balanced 50:50 weight distribution and a torsional rigidity rating of 36,360 Nm per degree. These ingredients help deliver a more settled and composed driving experience.

A compact 60 kg Electric Drive assembly contributes to a total weight reduction of over 20 kg and operates at 94% efficiency with a power density of 2.67 kW per kilogram. The setup includes an LFP battery and an AI-assisted motor management system designed to maintain long-term health, safety and performance.

Power comes from a 218hp unit producing 240Nm of torque, giving the B10 a 0–100 km/h time of around eight seconds. The 400-volt fast-charging system, operating at 2.5C, enables swift recharging, and the WLTP range of up to 434km makes it a practical option for everyday use. The thermal management system uses liquid cooling for the battery and oil cooling for the motor, ensuring consistent performance in Malaysia’s high heat and humidity.

Visually, the B10 adopts a clean, modern design language. The body features smooth surfacing, a distinctive cloud-like waistline and fenders shaped to resemble a planetary ring. Split LED headlamps sit below chequered daytime running lights, and frameless door handles help the SUV achieve a drag coefficient of 0.265. A full-width Wing Star LED taillight bar defines the rear. The SUV measures 4,515 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width and 1,655 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase and 170 mm ground clearance.

The cabin centres around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and an Adreno 640 GPU. A 14.6-inch display running Leap OS 4.0 Plus takes care of infotainment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support scheduled for January 2026. An 8.8-inch instrument panel, 360-degree camera suite and remote app-based controls come standard.

Cabin space measures 2,390 mm, with good headroom and thoughtfully selected materials. The DESIGN variant adds silicone textile upholstery certified to OEKO-Tex Standard 100 and detailed stitching work. Both front seats are power adjustable and ventilated, while the floating centre console offers wireless charging and abundant storage. A total of 22 storage compartments are located around the cabin. Boot space is rated at 430 litres, expandable to 1,700 litres with the seats folded, alongside an additional 25-litre frunk.

Safety has been a strong area for the B10, earning a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with 93% scores for adult and child protection. Seven airbags are fitted as standard, backed by Level 2 driver assistance that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring, automatic emergency braking, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Jam Assist and fatigue monitoring, all powered by 12 sensors and 17 active systems.

The B10 is offered in two trims: the LIFE variant priced at RM107,800 and the DESIGN at RM118,800, each with its own interior theme. Early adopters—limited to the first 200 buyers—will receive launch rebates of up to RM8,000 for the LIFE and RM9,000 for the DESIGN. Colour choices include Metallic Black, Light White, Tundra Grey, Dawn Purple and Starry Night Blue, the latter inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone.

The SUV is covered by a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, with service intervals set at 20,000 km or one year. By combining strong engineering credentials with competitive pricing and modern features, the Leapmotor B10 enters Malaysia as a confident new entry in the electric SUV market—positioning itself as a serious contender in a rapidly expanding segment.