Honda Prelude's on the road price starts at £41,595In the 1990s, every manufacturer had at least one coupé in their range. Honda's popular Prelude was a key player, beloved for its cutting-edge technology that brought four-wheel steering and variable valve timing into the mainstream, while delivering a sporty drive that didn't compromise on practicality and comfort.Now, it's back, based on the accomplished Civic hybrid hatchback. Can it appeal to a buying public that long ago abandoned low-volume coupés for apparently more spacious and practical SUVs?ProsPlush interiorEasy-going driving experienceWell equippedConsCramped rear seats and bootExpensive to buyNot sporty enough for someUnder the skinThe new Prelude is a hybrid, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a two-motor electric set-up that's fed by a 1.1kWh battery. Most of the time, the petrol engine simply spins the smaller electric motor, which charges the battery. That charge feeds a larger motor that drives the wheels directly. At higher speeds, the engine can be clutched into the drivetrain, to provide power when it's efficient to do so.AdvertisementAdvertisementAll this is in stark contrast to the BMW 2-Series Coupé, which is the only direct rival to the Prelude. It's rare in that it has rear-wheel drive and a non-hybrid petrol engine.The engine's smaller electric motor charges the batteryThe Prelude of 25 years ago delivered 197bhp from a 2.2-litre petrol engine. So you might be disappointed to find this latest version has slightly less – 181bhp, to be precise – and a leisurely 0-62mph time of 8.2sec. That comes as a surprise given its relatively light weight of 1,480kg but it's a sign that out-and-out performance is not this car's primary purpose.Indeed, while Honda says the Prelude's return has been "eagerly anticipated by driving enthusiasts around the world", the original was in fact mostly bought by empty-nesters who loved the fact it looked and felt sporty but was as comfortable, reliable and usable as an Accord saloon.Inside jobThe Prelude's interior is lovely, every inch a rival for the BMW in terms of premium feel.AdvertisementAdvertisementFrom the expanse of tactile, suede-effect fabric that runs the width of the dash to the real leather upholstery, it feels every bit a premium proposition – as it needs to, given that it's priced accordingly.Of note is the touchscreen, which is simple to operate and snappy in its responses. This is partly because it isn't trying to do too much; you get proper buttons to adjust all the climate control functions, to set the drive mode and a lot more besides – which is the way it should be.The leather upholstery combined with the user-friendly touchscreen contribute to a first-rate interiorYou feel cocooned inside the Prelude and in that sense it's more of a traditional coupé than the BMW, which feels more like a two-door saloon. There's a downside to this snug feel, though, in that the Prelude loses out in the back seats, where the limited head and leg room mean even children will feel cramped, let alone adults. The 284-litre boot is pretty stingy, too.There are a few slightly jarring hints that the Prelude might have ideas above its station, however, such as the large power button which pulsates with red light when you climb aboard and the G-force-meter that's selectable as one of the driver displays.On the roadThe specification includes Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension, which hint at an extra layer of sporting depth to the Prelude. It's not that it doesn't drive well – it does – but there's always a niggle. Like the way that, even in Sport mode, with the dampers firmed up, there's a touch of waft at the extremes of the suspension's travel that means the Prelude never quite feels as tied-down as you might want.AdvertisementAdvertisementOr the way that in the S+ Shift mode, a series of artificially stepped gear ratios that you can flick between using paddles behind the steering wheel, the gearbox "changes" up or down for you if you leave it just a fraction too long. There's no true manual option.In addition, the faux noise generator sounds like it's playing the engine note to you via a phone line, so you never quite believe it's real.Yet there's still plenty of driving pleasure to be had – for example, in the light, deft way the Prelude turns eagerly into bends, like a puppy hunting for a hidden treat. Or the generous grip that ensures the front tyres never break traction, even if you pile on the power too early in a sharp bend. The Prelude just hunkers down and goes.A satisfying drive despite its suspension faultsAnd it does feel brisk – enough to raise a smile, but not so gut-wrenchingly powerful as to be intimidating. Which feels appropriate; this is a car in which you feel quite at ease with using the fullness of its capability, most of the time. Rarely do you have to back off for fear of running out of road (and talent) more rapidly than you'd realised.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's an approachable car, in other words, one that wants you to enjoy yourself and gives you the tools to do so relatively safely.But it's at its best when you aren't trying to drive quickly. In town, for example, it simply feels like a plush Civic, pliant, smooth and easy-going. Albeit one that you'll enjoy catching sight of in shop windows.In Comfort mode especially, the slight waft over crests becomes more pronounced, so you might prefer GT mode, which is a touch firmer but still supple enough to damp out most bumps.Whichever you choose, the Prelude is a consummate cruiser at higher speeds. There is a tad too much tyre roar, but the suspension is pliant and the engine near-silent. A long journey in this car would be a delight.The Telegraph verdictThe Prelude, then, is unusual: a sports car for those who don't like sports cars. Or, to be more precise, a car for people who want something that looks and feels sporty but not at the expense of comfort or reliability.AdvertisementAdvertisementYes, the latest Prelude will allow you a bit of fun when you fancy it – but most of the time, it will feel like what it is: a Civic in a fancy frock.And that isn't meant as a slight. As with Preludes of old, its accessible, easy-going ethos will suit plenty of DINKYs and retirees down to the ground. The only question is whether they're willing to think outside the box – or whether they'll simply plump for a de rigueur SUV instead.The factsOn test: Honda Prelude 2.0 i-MMD AdvanceBody style: two-door coupéOn sale: nowHow much? £41,595 on the road (range from £41,595)How fast? 117mph, 0-62mph in 8.2secHow economical? 54.3mpg (WLTP Combined)AdvertisementAdvertisementEngine & gearbox: 1,993cc four-cylinder petrol engine, transmission via electric motor and single-speed gearbox, front-wheel driveElectric powertrain: AC permanent magnet synchronous motor with 1.1kWh batteryElectric range: 0 milesMaximum power/torque: 181bhp/232lb ftCO2 emissions: 117g/km (tailpipe)Vehicle Excise Duty (VED): £455 first year, £640 next five years, then £200Warranty: 3 years/90,000 miles (service-activated warranty up to 8 years/100,000 miles)Spare wheel as standard: no (not available)The rivalsBMW 220i M Sport Pro Coupe181bhp, 42.8mpg, £43,040 on the roadA more classic, but pricier alternative - Mark FagelsonRoomier than the Prelude but less economical. Rear-drive layout and turbo petrol engine feel more old-school. The 220i is a delight to drive as a result.Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Excel220bhp, 135mpg, £39,995 on the roadThe Toyota Prius is cheap and comfortableIt's true, these days the Prius is handsome, comfortable, practical and good to drive. What's more, it's the quickest and cheapest of these three.AdvertisementAdvertisementTry full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.