The Honda Ballade recently received a mid-life update, keeping the same three-model structure while gaining new features.
The Ballade is one of the few mid-range sedans still on sale in South Africa, as the body type has gradually lost popularity for mass audiences owing to the corresponding rise in interest for crossovers and SUVs.
While there are still a number of popular sedans on the market, there is a massive price gulf between options like the entry-level Suzuki Dzire and premium models like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, making the Honda an intriguing option for those who still enjoy a classier vehicle type with a reasonable spec sheet that doesn’t break the bank.
In South Africa, the Honda Ballade now retails for a minimum of R389,900 all the way up to R459,900.
What you get
Regardless of which version you choose, the Ballade is equipped with a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 89kW and 145Nm.
It is front-wheel drive and uses a CVT box, which results in an average fuel consumption of 5.5l/100km.
It’s in the design and features department that the revisions to the sedan start to show, entailing a more aggressive black front grille and a new set of 15-inch alloy wheels.
On the base Comfort models, standard equipment now comprises a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, automatic climate control, cruise control, USB ports, push-button start, cloth seats, a Bluetooth sound system with four speakers, a 7-inch instrument cluster, hill assist, electronic stability control, ABS, and six airbags.
Beyond this you will need to spend another R35,000 to upgrade to the mid-range Elegance, which will throw in a leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen.
If you can afford to drop an additional R35,000, you can pick up the RS model which is the largest beneficiary of the update.
The RS designation means the top-end sedan has a much sportier theme with red badges, LED fog lamps, Advanced full-LED headlights, larger 16-inch alloy rims, and a subtle boot spoiler.
The cabin of the RS boasts a red theme underscored by a strip across the dashboard and a new contrast stitching pattern on the seats, gearstick, and steering wheel.
It also has extra kit in the form of keyless entry, leather upholstery, a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front parking sensors, a reverse camera, and four additional speakers.
Each purchase of the new Ballade is supported by a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan.
Join the discussion