CAR REVIEW: Honda Ballade 1,5 Elegance MT
This is the new and improved Honda Ballade. Let’s be honest and say that the previous version (the older new one) wasn’t that great in many ways. But this version is definitely better in many ways.
It’s bigger and is easier on the eye with a broader stance and unique character lines that give some edges a chiseled look to it. It is 45 mm longer, five mm taller and its wheelbase has increased by 50 mm. The change in dimensions means that there is more boot space and a roomier feel to the cabin. It’s aimed at families and can comfortably accommodate a family of up to five people.
Inside it feels a lot more like a Honda product than the model that it replaces, which felt cheap and built-to-cost. The neat cloth upholstery and multifunction steering wheel (available on the Elegance model) taken from the Civic makes occupants think that they could be in a car that’s in a higher segment. Adding to the illusion of an upmarket vehicle is the 18 cm touch screen fitted to this Elegance model that gives access to the audio system that comes with USB and Bluetooth functionality and is capable of supporting many iPhone/iPad apps and a navigation app .
Under the bonnet lies the same 1,5-litre petrol engine that featured in the previous version that delivers 88 kW and 145 N.m of torque. It’s feels strong and pulls well, while the slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox kicks up no fuss at all. If a manual ‘box is not your preference, there’s a CVT on offer as well. The suspension is compliant and absorbs road imperfections with ease, and there is very little body roll through corners. The steering feels a bit light, but it’s not unsettling.
There are plenty of standard features on this car including a rear-view camera, air-conditioning, electric windows, electric folding mirrors, remote central locking and cruise control. Safety is an important aspect when pitching a car to families especially. The Ballade comes with ABS, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist and six airbags as standard.
Unlike the first new Ballade launched a few years ago, this re-worked Ballade feels like a solid Honda product. It feels like something a Jazz owner would buy once they’ve decided to move to sedans. It’s a good product from Honda and offers great value, too.
Need-to-know stuff:
- The Ballade costs between R195 900 and R235 590
- Honda claims a fuel consumption of 5,9 litres/100 km and 140 g/km of CO2
- As far as performance goes, the Ballade takes 9,6 seconds to go from zero to 100 km/h and can reach a top speed of 185 km/h (not that you should try it)
– Kelly Lodewyks