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Hybrid sports coupe beats a field of 19 vehicles that included new RAV4 and CX-5 to take top honours in the ultimate new-car comparison test
The Honda Prelude has made a stunning return to showrooms after being voted Car of the Year by Australia’s most independent car-review brand, Chasing Cars.
The hybrid sports coupe, which brings back a nameplate last seen in 2001, was declared the best new car to have been released in the past 12 months, beating 18 other contenders after a week of testing and judging.
Contenders covered a broad spectrum of vehicle segments and included new-generation midsize SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, Kia’s Tasman ute as well as its EV3 electric small SUV, luxury vehicles from the likes of Audi, Volvo and Hyundai, while cars from BYD, MG and Renault represented the budget end.
Chinese cars invited to Car of the Year after impressing the Chasing Cars team during the months prior comprised the BYD Atto 1, MG4 Urban and Zeekr 7X.
In addition to the main award for the overall winner, the Chasing Cars team also awarded nine separate Car of the Year awards focusing on key vehicle segments.
The Prelude secured the Best Sports Car 2026 award in addition to claiming the biggest award.
Chasing Cars editor and judge, Jez Spinks, praised the Prelude for its depth of talent across the board.
“The Prelude is a refreshing riposte to the plethora of new cars being launched these days that are either bland to drive or spoil everyday motoring with annoyingly intrusive driver-assist systems,” he said.
“This is a compact sports coupe that is a joy to drive whether you’re doing the daily commute or out on the open road, yet in either scenario this Honda won’t cost you a fortune in fuel to run thanks to its remarkable efficiency.
“The Prelude is in many ways a classic sports coupe with its brilliant blend of GT-style ride comfort and track-capable dynamics, while the petrol-electric powertrain ensures it’s very much a sports car fit for modern times.”
Returning to showrooms after 21 years, the Prelude also earned praise for its high-quality, well-executed interior.
While judges acknowledged the snug rear seats, they deemed it relatively practical for a compact coupe thanks to a boot that is surprisingly spacious and conveniently accessed by a tailgate hatch.
Chasing Cars’ Car of the Year testing was conducted on real-world roads in and around Canberra as well as the ACT’s Sutton Road Training Centre, with its highly experienced judges looking for the new car that best nailed its intended purpose.
Key judging criteria included value, running costs, interior practicality, cabin comfort and technology, driving dynamics, ride comfort, and powertrain performance and efficiency.
To find out more about why the Honda Prelude was our overall winner for 2026, click the link below to read our separate article and our segment winners.
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