The launch of the 2011 Honda Ballade signals the return of one of South Africa’s most popular compact sedans. With the previous Ballade having evolved into the current Civic sedan, which has become bigger and more sophisticated over time, there exists a gap in Honda’s model line-up where the Ballade once stood. In recognition of the demand for a compact, well-equipped and economical sedan, Honda have re-introduced a Ballade to our local market.

The very first Honda Ballade made its debut in South Africa in 1982. It was assembled in East London and marketed under the auspices of Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Being sold and supported through Mercedes-Benz dealerships, the Ballade provided MBSA with a compact car that was able to meet the needs of its discerning customer base. Thus the Ballade quickly established itself as an important player in the burgeoning compact sector. One only has to look at the 171 100 sales figure and the number still on our roads today to realise how successful the Ballade was before the Civic nameplate was introduced in 2000.

In 2011, the new Ballade fits into Honda’s range between the Jazz hatchback and the larger Civic sedan, quite literally in fact. At 4 420 mm long, the Ballade is lengthier than the Jazz, but shorter than the Civic. Does this mean it’s just a Jazz with a boot? Well in some ways, yes – which is a rather good thing. The Ballade is built on Honda’s Global Small Car platform, which the Jazz also uses. The most significant features of this platform are the positioning of the fuel tank beneath the front seats, and the compact, H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension. This engineering layout gives the Jazz, and now the Ballade, class-leading interior space and flexibility for cargo needs. Rear legroom is ample, even with the drivers seat positioned for a 6ft driver, while the boot offers 506-litres of space – slightly more than a BMW 7 Series!

The Ballade feels every bit a Honda inside. The steering wheel and 5-speed manual gear lever are lifted straight from the Jazz, while the interior plastics feel durable and are well screwed together. The cloth seats are comfortable, with storage bins beneath the rear bench. The Ballade is available in two specification levels, namely Comfort and Elegance. Standard equipment across the range includes, electrically-operated windows, multi-function steering wheel, radio/CD/MP3-player with USB and auxiliary connections, air conditioning, cruise control and bluetooth connectivity. The Elegance models gain a more upmarket look and feel with the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and chrome door handles. The compact-sedan also packs plenty of safety equipment, including ISOFIX child seat anchors in the rear; front, side and curtain airbags; and even includes Honda’s VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) traction control, in addition to ABS and EBD, earning the car a 5-star ANCAP (Australian NCAP) rating.

The new Ballade is powered by the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine found in the Jazz. With 88 kW of power at 6 600 r/min and 145 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min, the Ballade has enough gusto around town and doesn’t struggle on the open road. Available with either a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission, Honda claim an average fuel consumption of 6.6 L/100 km for the auto and 6.3 L/100km for the manual. CO2 emissions are 156 g/km and 148 g/km respectively.

With a slightly raised seating position, the Ballade provides good all-round visibility. The little sedan faithfully follows driver inputs via the steering and combined with a light clutch, zippy gearbox and peppy engine, is a pleasure to pilot around town. On the open road the light steering makes the Ballade sensitive to cross-winds and the i-VTEC engine, although willing, is a busy one, spinning at 3 500 r/min when cruising at 120 km/h.

The 2011 Honda Ballade has all the positive attributes that we’ve come to expect from Honda over the years, meaning it is certain to give rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 sedans a run for their money.

Prices include a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 4-year/60 000 service plan.