Iconic Honda Ballade re-imagined

The idea of a typical three-box sedan is under serious threat for the world’s desire for SUV’s. The plucky classic having been a mainstay in all of our upbrings the various namesakes that made them are the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra and Honda Ballade, means there’s some nostalgia triggered by these nomenclatures. Honda has decided to demonstrate the strength of value and practicality that created its popularity in the first place with the new Ballade.

2020 Honda Ballade: Looks 

From a design perspective, the new Ballades’ most improved trait is the sharp and short design without looking like a chopped shortbread inspired design from before. Slimmer headlights, a bold and Honda specific front grille that mirrors that of the Civic. The front bumper design appears similar to the Jazz, with the slates and grille intakes. The new model is larger than the existing model, being a total of 110mm longer, 55mm wider and 10mm lower. This should translate to a sleeker design and greater on-road stability, cornering dynamics and road handling. The rear end features changes to the bumper design and rear lights that are multi-dimensional and make the vehicle look good.

2020 Honda Ballade: Specifications 

The Ballade will be available with three namesakes, The Comfort, Elegance and RS models at launch. The comfort and Elegance are fitted as standard with projector headlights and foglamps.LED headlights are provided to the top-spec RS and include LED taillights at the rear. The Ballade is available in four colours: Radiant Red, Lunar Silver, Modern Steel and the new Platinum White pearlescent.

2020 Honda Ballade: Interior 

The new Ballade features new seat designs and upholstery on Comfort and Elegance models with the RS gaining leather. Infotainment is handled by an 8-inch touch screen unit, with Carplay and Andriod Auto, Bluetooth and steering mounted controls. Electric mirrors, windows cruise control, automatic air-conditioning and auto headlights are standard across the board. The RS model gains additional features and spec like keyless entry, walk-away locking, rear-view reverse camera, electric sunroof and 7-inch TFT multi-information display for the instrument cluster.

2020 Honda Ballade: Safety 

With respects to safety, the Ballade is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), rear parking sensors on the comfort model upwards. Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags are standard across the range. In addition, all models are equipped with seatbelt pre-tensioners and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

2020 Honda Ballade: Engine and performance

Powering the Ballade is a 1.5litre double overhead cam engine featuring I-VTEC and producing 80kW and 145Nm. Fuel consumption is qouted at 5.5litres/100 and all models are linked to a CVT transmission driving the front wheels.

2020 Honda Ballade: Pricing 

Ballade 1.5 Comfort CVT R336,500Ballade 1.5 Elegance CVT R366,900Ballade 1.5 RS CVT R396,900Prices include a five-year/200,000 warranty and a four-year/60 000km Service.