The new sixth-generation Honda Prelude has rocketed to the top of the sales charts in its first full month on sale, outpacing rivals from Subaru, Toyota, Ford, and Nissan as well as a host of super sport and supercar rivals.

Honda sold 142 Preludes in Australia in May, according to data from the (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), placing it ahead of mainstream (under $90k) rivals including the Ford Mustang (127), Mazda MX-5 (82), and Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins (49 and 46 respectively).

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The Prelude also bested rivals in the over $90,00 category, counting the BMW 2 Series Coupe (94 sales), Porsche 911 (61) and Mercedes-Benz CLE (47) amongst its scalps.

The first new Prelude from Honda in 25 years landed in local showrooms in May with a sticker price of $65,000 drive-away. It’s powered by Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with an electric drive motor for total outputs of 149kW and 315Nm, all sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.

However, adding a level of driver engagement, Honda’s e-CVT features a selectable S+ Shift mode which utilises paddle shifters to simulate an eight-speed transmission. It’s complemented by the brand’s Active Sound Control that adds a throaty engine note synched with engine revs.

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Other performance enhancements have come via the Honda Civic Type R hot hatch, specifically the dual-axis front suspension set-up designed to control torque steer, and adaptive damper system, although in the Prelude, it’s been tuned to offer a more luxurious driving experience.

The Prelude’s initial sales rush is a good sign for the Japanese brand as it seeks to, in its own words, broaden the scope of its “exciting sport-type models”.

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Earlier this year, Honda took the covers off a striking new Prelude HRC concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the clearest indication yet that the iconic nameplate could return in a far more performance-focused form. Honda stopped short of confirming the Prelude HRC would go into production but did state it was developing a series of “HRC Performance upgrades for the all-new Prelude.