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Believe: Driving the new Honda Prelude

Believe: Driving the new Honda Prelude

Smith and Sniff Oct 27, 2025 60 min
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About this episode

A lively discussion unfolds around the new Honda Prelude, marking its return after 25 years. Johnny and his co-host delve into the car's design, performance, and the unique features that set it apart from modern competitors. They reminisce about past Prelude generations and the evolution of two-door coupes, while sharing insights from their driving experience at the launch event in Nice. The episode also touches on the intricacies of Honda's engineering, including the asymmetric seats and the innovative hybrid powertrain, all delivered with humor and nostalgia.

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Concept

two-door coupé

"This is quite an exciting moment because obviously car manufacturers don't really make two door coupés much. You've got to discount supercars and stuff."

A two-door coupé is a car with two doors and a sporty shape. These cars usually look sleek and are designed for performance.

Car

Nissan 200 SX

"... era coupé in that there was the Pralood, Salika, 200 SX. Yeah."

The Nissan 200 SX is a small sports car that was made in the late '80s and '90s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a design that many car fans appreciate. People talk about it because it was a cool car for those who liked sporty vehicles.

Car

Ford Probe

"Probe. Yeah. About to become the Cougar."

The Ford Probe is a type of car made by Ford that was designed to be sporty and stylish. It was popular in the late 80s and 90s.

Car

Ford Cougar

"Yeah. About to become the Cougar. Yes."

The Ford Cougar is a car made by Ford that was known for being sporty and stylish. It came out in the late 90s.

Car

Peugeot 406 Coupé

"406 coupé was on its way, but not then. Oh yeah."

The Peugeot 406 Coupé is a stylish two-door car made by Peugeot. It was known for looking good and being fun to drive.

Car

Renault Laguna Coupé

"We were going to get a Laguna coupé coming."

The Renault Laguna Coupé is a car made by Renault that has two doors and is known for being comfortable and stylish. It was made in the late 2000s.

Car

Alfa Romeo GTV

"So and then we got the Alphas, Calibra or Calibra, GTV, Fiat Coupe."

The Alfa Romeo GTV is a sporty car from Italy that is known for looking good and being fun to drive.

Car

Fiat Coupe

"So and then we got the Alphas, Calibra or Calibra, GTV, Fiat Coupe."

The Fiat Coupe is a small, sporty car made by Fiat, recognized for its unique design and enjoyable driving experience.

Car

Toyota Solara

"But I guess the US as well, because then you had over there, you had things like the Toyota Solara, no relation to the Tolbert."

The Toyota Solara is a car made by Toyota that comes in coupe and convertible styles, and it's known for being reliable and comfortable to drive.

Car

Mercedes-Benz W124

"And, well, I suppose the Mercedes are always models, W124 coupé still at that point, pre-CLK, plus the big CL still, or what was it called at that point, SEC still?"

The W124 is a model of Mercedes-Benz cars made between the mid-1980s and late 1990s. It's known for being well-built and reliable, and it comes in different styles like sedans and coupés.

Car

Acura CL

"...lways models, W124 coupé still at that point, pre-CLK, plus the big CL still, or what was it called a..."

The Acura CL is a fancy two-door car that was made for people who want something sporty and stylish. It has nice features and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those who like luxury cars. People talk about it because it's a unique option in the luxury car market.

Car

Mercedes-Benz CL

"It was CL. CL. Yeah. There were a lot of coupés in a lot of different sizes, but also just a lot of sort of affordable front wheel drive coupés."

The CL is a luxury coupé from Mercedes-Benz made from the late 1990s to the mid-2010s. It is known for being stylish and powerful, often featuring advanced technology and comfort.

Term

four-wheel steering

"And you could still have four-wheel steering, and you could have V-Tec, and is that not the shape of preludes that your old housemates..."

Four-wheel steering means that not just the front wheels, but also the back wheels can turn. This helps the car handle better and turn more easily.

Term

VTEC

"...and you could have V-Tec, and is that not the shape of preludes that your old housemates..."

VTEC is a technology used in Honda engines that helps them run better at different speeds. It changes how the engine's valves work to give more power when needed.

Car

Honda Preludes

"...u could have V-Tec, and is that not the shape of preludes that your old housemates, the infamous two point ..."

The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that was made for many years and is known for being fun to drive. It has a special engine feature called VTEC that helps it go faster and use less fuel. People talk about it because it was a cool car that many people loved.

Term

aftermarket wheels

"...because it looked really good on aftermarket wheels when it had been dropped."

Aftermarket wheels are wheels that you buy separately from the car maker. People often choose them to make their car look better or to improve how it drives.

Term

dropped

"...when it had been dropped. Yes."

When a car is 'dropped', it means the suspension is lowered, making the car sit closer to the ground. This can make the car look cooler and handle better.

Car

Toyota MR2

"It was... Had a last-gen MR2 face, where it didn't look sporty enough for what..."

The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car that was made for people who love to drive fast. It has a unique design where the engine is in the middle of the car, which helps it handle well. People talk about it because it's fun to drive and looks different from other cars.

Term

bolster

"...the driver's seat is supposed to have a taller bolster on it. Yeah. And it does as well."

A bolster is the part of a car seat that supports your body from the sides. Taller bolsters help keep you secure while driving, especially when turning sharply.

Term

cushion

"...the cushion is harder on the driver's seat. So passenger seat for comfort, driver's seat for driving pleasure."

The cushion is the padding in the car seat that you sit on. A harder cushion can help you feel more supported while driving, while a softer one is usually more comfortable for long trips.

Car

Nissan R35 Gtr

"...the glass house looks a little bit like the R35 Skyline, R35 GTR, where it's..."

The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a fast sports car that many people admire for its speed and technology. It's designed for performance and has a unique look that stands out on the road.

Car

Nissan Ariya

"...your pitch for how Nissan could sell more Arias there, not..."

The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It's designed to be stylish and tech-savvy, making it a competitor to other electric cars on the market.

Car

Tata Arias

"...ow, and your pitch for how Nissan could sell more Arias there, not Your idea was to make a commercial ve..."

The Tata Motors Aria is a big family car that can carry a lot of people and things. It was made to be comfortable and safe for everyday use. People talk about it because it's a practical choice for families in some countries.

Car

Volkswagen Id Buzz

"Yeah. It's got a long range, but I think it's got a longer range than the I.D. Buzz. Yeah, I'm sure it has."

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses from the past. It's designed to be roomy and has cool technology inside, making it a fun choice for families. People talk about it because it's a modern take on a classic car and is good for the environment.

Car

Arias

"Because I've seen, I reckon, three privately owned Arias in four, I think it's been on sale for four years."

The Arias is a car made by Nissan that is not commonly seen, making it a rare find for car enthusiasts.

Car

Leaf

"But, you know, it's because it's because they all we wanted was a newer leaf and they never gave us a new leaf."

The Leaf is an electric car made by Nissan that is known for being eco-friendly and efficient. A 'new Leaf' suggests there is a newer version of this car available now.

Car

Renault 5

"I actually think, you know, the new Micra, which is the Renault 5's brother, which I think looks really cool, actually, it's just I'm not sure whether people all want it as much as the 5, but I need to drive one, I'd like to taste one."

The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault, popular in Europe. It has a unique look and was made from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s.

Car

Nissan Micra

"I actually think, you know, the new Micra, which is the Renault 5's brother, which I think looks really cool, actually, it's just I'm not sure whether people all want it as much as the 5, but I need to drive one, I'd like to taste one."

The Nissan Micra is a small car made by Nissan, designed for easy driving in cities. It's been around since the early 1980s and is known for being economical.

Car

Renault 4

"...I was driving the new Renault 4, which is nice. It's obviously it's not quite as interesting looking."

The Renault 4 is a compact car made by Renault that was produced for over three decades. It's known for being practical and easy to drive, making it a popular choice for families.

Car

Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Ew

"No. Audi and Mercedes-Benz EW are still plugging away at coupes. They're the ones who are still doing that kind of..."

The Mercedes-Benz E 500 is a high-end car that was made in the early '90s and is known for being powerful and comfortable. It's a four-door sedan that many people admire for its quality and classic look. People talk about it because it's a well-made car that's still appreciated today.

Car

Honda Civic

"And the chassis is amazing. Because it's Civic and Civic are dampingly stuff. Adaptive."

The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and saving gas, which makes it a popular choice. People often talk about it because it's a good car that works well for lots of different drivers.

Car

Chevy Volt

"Like the Chevy Volt, which I so loved, yeah. Which is misunderstood, I think."

The Chevy Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gasoline. It was designed to help reduce fuel use and emissions.

Car

BMW X5

"...MW are not going to, I don't think, go. The next X5 is smaller than this X5. No."

The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV that people like because it drives well and has a lot of nice features. It's bigger than a regular car, so it can carry more people and things. People talk about it because it's a popular choice for those who want something stylish and comfortable.

Car

Volvo XC90

"No. Volvo are not going to go the new XC90. It's 13 centimetres smaller."

The Volvo XC90 is a big, fancy SUV that's designed to be safe and comfortable for families. It has a lot of space inside and nice features, making it a popular choice for those who want a luxury vehicle. People talk about it because it's known for being very safe.

Car

Kia Soul

"...ne of their writers to go and review the new Kia Soul with David Sol. What?"

The Kia Soul is a small, boxy car that has a lot of room inside for people and things. It's known for its fun look and is a good choice for people who want something different. People talk about it because it's practical and affordable.

Car

Toyota Celica

"the replacement for Celica Lady's long-lost Celica,"

The Toyota Celica is a small sports car that was made for many years and is known for being fun to drive. It has a sporty look and was popular among people who liked racing. People talk about it because it was a cool car with a lot of history.

Car

Land Rover Range Rover

"...here, inexplicably, there's a British registered Range Rover Sport. I don't know where that's come from."

The Range Rover is a high-end SUV that can drive well on tough roads and looks very nice inside. It's popular among people who want a car that feels luxurious but can also handle rough conditions. People often mention it because it's a symbol of luxury and adventure.

Car

Honda Crvs

"... balloony. But I haven't driven one of these new CRVs, but I bet that,"

The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that's great for families because it has lots of space inside. It's known for being dependable and saving gas, making it a smart choice for everyday use. People talk about it because it's practical and works well for many drivers.

Car

Chevrolet Camaro

"...yed by Bert Reynolds. So unfortunately, he has a Camaro that doesn't make any sense. He's always chewing ..."

The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's been around for a long time and is known for being powerful, making it popular among car lovers. People often mention it because it's a classic American muscle car.

Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"...this bright yellow Corvette that we borrowed and just put it, like, lent it against a tree out in the boom dock somewhere..."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a popular sports car in the U.S. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

Car

Honda Crxs

"...ou're not going to use this. The way that the old CRXs used to be, they don't waste the good upholster ..."

The Honda CRX is a small car that was made a long time ago and is known for being light and fun to drive. People liked it because it was easy on gas and had a sporty feel. It's talked about because it has a special place in car history.

Car

Honda Accords

"...n 98 and he's been involved in various civics and accords and ting. What are his hobbies? Door fits, butto..."

The Honda Accord is a larger car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being safe and reliable, which makes it a good choice for families. People talk about it because it's a solid car that works well for lots of different needs.

Car

2008 Honda Accord Euro R

"And a 2008 Honda Accord Euro R. Oh, now are they, are they the ones that were sold in Japan?"

The Honda Accord Euro R is a special version of the Accord that was made for the Japanese market. It's known for being sportier and more powerful than regular Accords.

Car

Porsche Taycan

"...you said in quite a Taycan-esque way and I think you're absolutely right there. Yes. And I like the, just the enormity of the, of the boot..."

The Porsche Taycan is a high-performance electric car that combines luxury with speed. It's known for being very fast and has a modern design.

33 cars featured

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