HONDA has boosted the performance and specification of the 1999 Prelude coupe and while prices of the 2.2 VTi have increased by £125 (0.5%) prices of the 2.0i have been held. The 2.2 VTi now has 200bhp on tap from its DOHC VTEC engine - up from 185bhp - with more torque (212Nm at 5,250rpm).

The result is half a second off the Prelude's 0-62mph time - now 6.9 seconds - and a top speed of 142mph. In addition the 1999 Prelude is the next model to benefit from the introduction throughout this year of three-year/90,000-mile warranty cover on all Honda models - up from two years/ 60,000 miles. Mechanically the 2.2 VTi sequential shift (SS) automatic and 2.0-litre models remain unchanged, but the latter gains 14in alloy wheels in the place of the previous steel wheels.

All 2.2 VTi models get heated front seats and heated electric door mirrors. Both 2.0i and 2.2 VTi models continue to be available in standard or Motegi versions - the latter adding a body kit, wider alloy wheels and tyres. On-the-road prices for the 1999 Prelude are: 2.0i £19,070, 2.0i SS auto £20,270, 2.0i Motegi £21,515, 2.0 Motegi SS auto £22,715, 2.2 VTi £22,695, 2.2 VTi SS auto £23,895, 2.2 VTi Motegi £25,140, 2.2 VTi Motegi SS auto £26,340.