HONDA will reveal a new version of the Prelude with distinctive styling and reworked engines at the Paris Motor Show next week. Available in the UK next February, the latest Prelude is slightly larger than its predecessor and offers 2+2 accommodation and increased luggage space.

The interior has been substantially revised ergonomically and the bodyshell stiffened for greater refinement and safety. The familiar 2.0 and 2.2 VTEC engines have also been extensively modified and automatic transmission becomes available for the first time in the shape of an intelligent gearbox adapted from the F-Matic unit fitted to the NSX. Known as sequential sports shift, the system allows the driver to select between a stick-shifted manual box with clutchless changes or conventional automatic operation.

Suspension remains largely the same, although the four wheel steering system has been developed further in a package specifically designed to appeal to user-choosers.