First off, the Honda Ballade is not especially affordable to most new drivers such as matriculants and students. With a starting price of R334 300 for the 1.5 Comfort model, you'll have stretch far to afford monthly repayments, even if you're middle-aged and earning a decent salary. For this reason, we would certainly recommend buying a demo model if you're keen on the new Ballade. The Honda Ballade 1.5 Elegance retails for R375 400 new and the RS model for R406 100 (pricing correct as in April 2021, but may increase without prior notice).
The new Honda Ballade was my December car and after an entire month with this Honda, I was quite depressed when I had to hand back the keys to the fleet manager in Cape Town.
Here's why I think the good-looking new Ballade would make an excellent car for someone who is still learning the ropes, or anyone else, for that matter.
1. It's inexpensive to run
The new Ballade is powered by a 1.5-litre engine with enough pep to take the stress out of overtaking manuevers, yet still manages to keep fuel costs low. Our combined figure came to 6.2 litres per 100 km, which is impressive for a sedan. Hondas are not expensive to service and parts baskets are not pricey either.
2. It's spacious enough for the entire family and their luggage
The Honda Ballade sedan has plenty of room on the second row and the boot is large enough for the entire family's holiday luggage. There are also air-vents to keep rear passengers cool. If you're scaling down, the Ballade is a good replacement if you're looking to sell your larger Civic, as it's not that much smaller, actually.
3. On-board tech allows you to keep your eyes on the road
New drivers will be impressed by standard smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) on the Elegance and RS models, for a true hands-free operation of the infotainment system. Satellite buttons on the steering wheel is standard on every model in the line-up.
4. It's safe
The Ballade is fitted with 6 airbags on every variant, while stability control is standard, too. Other features include cruise control, Isofix child seat anchorage points on the outer rear seats, front fog lamps, daytime running lamps ,and a light sensor. Headlight levelling is standard.
5. Hondas are known to stand the test of time
Reliability is one of Honda's strongest suits. If you plan on driving a Ballade for a long time, this is a key consideration. New drivers will be glad to know that the Honda Ballade also has a 5-year / 200 000 km warranty and 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.
Verdict
If you can afford it, you can't go wrong with the Honda Ballade, no matter your age or driving experience.
Other cars to consider in this price range
Toyota Corolla Quest, Suzuki Ciaz Volkswagen Polo sedan.
