New vs used Honda Ballade: What are the top 3 differences?
The Honda Ballade has been a popular nameplate in South Africa since it was introduced in 1982. The eighth-generation model recently arrived locally. Let us take a look at 3 differences between the new model and a used example of the previous generation.
The Honda Ballade holds a special place within the hearts of many South Africans. It all started with the E-series-powered cars of the early 80s before the memorable SC9 models debuted. Following the SC9 was the SH4 or 'DOHC', bringing the Ballade into the 90s before the most popular SR4 derivatives made an appearance, being sold from 1992 until 2000, with the facelift coming in 1996.
There was then a rather large hiatus for the Ballade brand locally, with international naming convention dictating that the Civic badge be used instead. In 2011 the sixth generation Ballade signalled a return to South Africa, this time as a rebadged Honda City, now slotting in below the Civic. The seventh-generation was then introduced in 2015 and updated in 2017. Now, in 2020, the latest generation GN Ballade has arrived locally.
Related: 5 extras you should retrofit on a used Honda Ballade.
There is an impressive number of pre-owned Ballade models listed on AutoTrader, with more than 130 examples from when the nameplate returned in 2011. For our comparison today, we will be looking at 3 key differences between the seventh-generation Ballade and the new eighth-generation model.
1.Introduction of RS (Road Sailing)
Honda South Africa has chosen the Ballade range to introduce the RS badge to the local market. In contrast to other automotive manufacturers that use the RS badge on their performance-oriented models where it stands for “Rallye Sport”, Honda is using RS to denote enhanced features and a sportier exterior look, where it stands for “Road Sailing”.
As the flagship within the new Ballade range, the RS benefits from a sportier front and rear bumper, a rear spoiler, a mesh front grille and more specification such as keyless entry, a rear-view camera, a 7.0-inch TFT colour instrument cluster and an electrically operated sunroof.
2.Smaller range, one engine, CVT only
The new Ballade range is smaller, previously featuring five models while the latest line-up features a trio of variants. The seventh-generation Ballade was available in Trend, Elegance and Executive specification with the option of a manual or a CVT gearbox. The new range is available in the Comfort, Elegance and the RS specification with a CVT automatic gearbox now the only transmission option.
All three models are also available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that produces 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.5 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 131 g/km, improving upon the previous model in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
3.Enhanced connectivity
The new Ballade features an improved infotainment screen, now measuring 8.0-inches, the colour touchscreen system that now features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The media functions are adjustable via the multifunction steering wheel along with the cruise control.
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