While Honda South Africa was, for obvious reasons, reluctant to retain the car's international name (City) for our local market, this new model, which finds its niche below the current Civic saloon range, is seen as representing all the qualities that South Africans loved about Ballade models of the past.

Sharing its platform with the current Jazz range, the new South African Ballade has been launched in two specification levels, Comfort and Elegance, and offers impressive levels of interior comfort and the same high quality fitments that we have come to expect from Honda offerings. The higher specification of the two models gains 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch steel on Comfort models) and standard Bluetooth connectivity via a slightly aftermarket-looking add-on positioned on the A-pillar. All models feature a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, air-conditioning and comprehensive audio system (including iPod connectivity). All of the controls and dials are large and easy to use, while the facia is kept neat and tidy by the placement of the CD front-loader behind a fold down display panel.

A highlight of this platform is the installation of the fuel tank away from its customary position at the rear of the car, which affords the Ballade a large, deep luggage compartment (even with a full-size spare wheel positioned below the boot board).

The new Ballade is powered by Honda’s proven 1,5-litre i-VTEC engine and is available with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces a healthy 88 kW of power at 6 600 r/min with 145 N.m of torque available at 4 800 r/min. Claimed fuel consumption for the manual option is 6,3 litres/100 km.

A fairly raised seating position aids good all-round visibility from the driver’s seat. The power-assisted steering combines with slick transmission and an easy clutch feel to make the new Ballade a pleasure to pilot around town. This same light steering, together with this model's fairly tall stance, can make the car susceptible to crosswinds while at cruising speeds, but fortunately not dramatically so. On the same note, the free-revving i-VTEC engine can be heard working hard at 3 500 r/min, while maintaining a steady 120 km/h.

The new Ballade boasts a 5-star ANCAP (Australian NCAP) rating and is offered with standard ABS and traction control. The latter does seem like overkill on a car that is in no danger of being regarded as “sporty”, but its fitment will add peace of mind. Elegance specification adds a further four airbags to the two already featured in Comfort guise.

Honda is rightly excited about re-introducing the Ballade name into the South African market, and although the new car has been given an ever so slightly less glamorous role in the market than the models with which it shares its name (the current Civic range now fulfills that role) the new Ballade nevertheless exudes all the class and elegance that South Africans have come to expect from the Honda badge.

Honda Ballade Comfort             R184 900
Honda Ballade Comfort A/T       R196 900
Honda Ballade Elegance           R193 900
Honda Ballade Elegance A/T     R205 900

Prices include a 3 years/100 000 km warranty and 4 years/60 000 km service plan

Original article from Car