Is the Honda Ballade a good car for families?

If the entry-level Honda Amaze is just a little too "starter car" for you, the compact Honda Ballade with its big-car features is a budget family-sedan that dots all the i's and crosses all the t's. Here's why:

1. It's big on space

The Honda Ballade may look all sleek and svelte from the outside, but it's actually very spacious on the inside. The boot, for example, is a massive 510 litres, so even if your baby stroller or pram is of the gargantuan variety, you'll be sure to fit it in with room to spare. In Stuart Johnston's article namely Top 6 things you need to know about the Honda Ballade, he states "The cabin space is equally generous, and this small car can truly accommodate a family of five."

 

 

2. It's generous with its safety features

Not many cars in this segment can brag about having six airbags. Furthermore, the Ballade has the obligatory ABS with EBD, with traction- and stability control thrown in for added peace of mind. Hill start assist is another standard feature included in the selling price. Isofix child seat anchorage points are fitted to the outer rear seats.

With its last upgrade, Honda made sure to add daytime running lamps for extra visibility, while the top-tier Executive models gained full-LED headlamps. (Read Top safety features on the Honda Ballade)

 

 

3. It has all the mod-cons the modern family needs

The Ballade's cockpit features a rather large touchscreen with satellite buttons on the steering wheel (Elegance models and upwards) for ease of use.There's a USB port, AUX input and there are 2x12V power sockets: One in front, and one in the rear. Rearview cameras are standard on all models except the entry-level Trend. While all models have air-con, the Executive model gets climate control.

 

4. It's practical

Hondas have always been very ergonomic and practical. Buttons and switches are large, there's plenty of cupholders in the cabin, the door cards are spacious, and the side mirrors are foldable which makes parking in tight city spots a cinch. Executive models have leather upholstery that can be easily wiped down in case the little ones have an oopsie.

In the aftersales department, the Honda's 4-year /60 000 km service plan is not to be sneezed at, either. A 5-year 200 000 km warranty is standard.

5. It's fuel efficient, yet it isn't lazy

Thanks to the the Ballade's compact body, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine feels more powerful than it does in the seven-seater Honda BR-V,  and will reach a 100 km from standstill in just under the 10-second mark, if you opt for the five-speed manual model. We know we would, because CVT gearboxes sound a bit noisy and strained when you put your foot down. However, if you'd rather have the convenience of a self-shifting 'box, who are we to judge? Honda rates consumption in the Ballade at 5.9 litres per 100 km, but 6-7 litres per 100 km is a bit more realistic. You can expect a range of around 600 litres from one full tank of fuel, if you don't drive your Ballade too hard.

 

*Current pricing (August 2019)

• Ballade 1.5 Trend, R258 500
• Ballade 1.5 Trend auto, R280 500
• Ballade 1.5 Elegance, R295 800
• Ballade 1.5 Elegance auto R312 600
• Ballade 1.5 Executive auto R339 100

 

*Please note that the current prices are subject to change, but were correct at the time this article was published.

(For an article on the differences between the current Ballade and the previous generation, click here, and for an article on items covered under the Honda Ballade’s warranty click here.)