The Honda Ballade nameplate is a South African staple. The model has a long history on our roads and many a Honda Ballade has made its way into the hearts of the population.
The South African story with the Honda Ballade dates back as early as 1980 with the SP/SS-series Honda Civic. The Ballade was a high-trim-level version of the Honda Civic and was specially crafted for certain markets in Europe and South Africa.
Related: Top 6 things you need to know about the Honda Ballade
Knowing which model you have will help you in finding, not only parts but accessories for your car.
1980 - 1983 SP/SS Honda Ballade
This model, with its narrow grille and square headlights, was based on the second-generation Honda Civic and used the E-series engines. South Africa got it with the 1.3-litre engine while a 1.5-litre engine was available abroad.
1984 - 1987 SC9 Honda Ballade
Our first 1.5-litre Ballade came in the form of the SC9 model that was based on the third-generation Honda Civic. This model had motorized headlight eyebrows and earned it the nickname, the "pop-up Ballade".
1988 - 1991 SH4 Honda Ballade
The SH4 Honda Ballade was based on the EF-series Honda Civic and was colloquially known and the "DOHC", due to the introduction of the first Dual Over-Head Cam arrangement found on the new 1.6-litre model.
1992 - 1995 SR4 Honda Ballade
Curvaceous lines and aerodynamics earned the SR4 Honda Ballade the nickname "Dolphin" amongst enthusiasts. Available with a 1.5-litre or 1.6-litre D-series engine, the SR4 also features the range-topping 180E that featured the first B-series engine to be fitted to a Ballade. Once again, this model was based on the EH9 Honda Civic.
1996 - 2000 EJ9 Honda Ballade
While visually very similar to the international models, there were no fewer than 12 differences between the international EJ9 Honda Civic and the local Ballade. For the first time, the Civic nameplate was used alongside the Ballade with the former serving on the hatchback and the sedan retaining the Ballade name. Locally referred to as the VTEC-shape.
2011 - 2013 Honda Ballade
The model lines were aligned with the international naming conventions and the Ballade name disappeared for a few years but was resurrected in 2011 when Honda started producing the Honda City (5th generation) with the Ballade nameplate for the South African market. It served as an entry-level sedan offering alongside the Honda Civic sedan.
2014 Onwards
The 6th generation Honda City was used to continue the existing trend of offering a reliable sedan at a lower price point with the current generation Honda Ballade in South Africa.
Customizing your Ballade
Once you know which model you have, you can start looking for the modifications you want to fit to your car. Because there is so much, we're going to point you in the general direction and let you decide for yourself.
Wheels
Wheels are always a great place to start when it comes to customizing your car. The folks over at Autostyling.net have a wide range of wheels to choose from and most of the earlier models will use a 4x100 PCD fitment.
Front spoiler
Dress up the front end of your car and give it a more aggressive appearance with a subtle lip from MaxMotorsport. They have a host of accessories for the Honda Ballade, including this tasty lip kit.
Lights
Crystal taillights for the SR4 Honda Ballade will elevate the profile of your car and make it look a lot newer than it actually is. Best you get to Autostyle for this set.
Suspension
Complement the wheels and lip by making your Ballade sit a little lower to the ground. A set of lowering springs will help you out and won't break the bank either. These will still use your existing shock absorbers but will lower the car by 40 mm. Get them from Autostyle.
Grille
Owners of 1996 - 1998 model Honda Ballades can fit this aftermarket grille that will completely transform the front end of your car and still remain functional, with no hindrance on the cooling of your vehicle. Get it from Autostyle.
*Please remember to check with your local dealership before fitting any accessories, especially if your car is still under warranty as fitment of certain parts may void said warranty.
Recommended next:
How to change wiper blades on a Honda Ballade
