Economy at the heart of new Ballade

Three years after the new-generation Ballade was launched in South Africa, Honda Motor Southern Africa has released its latest version.

This Ballade doesn't rely on older-generation technology and delivers several innovations, including a new constantly variable transmission (CVT), as well as a touch-screen-based infotainment system that offers an array of powerful features.

The vehicle features the compact exterior dimensions typical of a B-segment sedan, but employs the extended wheelbase more typical of a C-segment model. The result is class-leading interior space, with significant gains in shoulder room, as well as rear knee and legroom.

The boot capacity has increased to 536l and also offers a wider aperture to ease access, including a lower loading sill.

Three power points allow smartphone or device charging from all four seating positions.

The engine is still a 1.5-litre four-cylinder, and the output figures have remained at 88kW and 145Nm.

But innovative solutions such as reduced internal friction, weight reduction and Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system, together with the Ballade's more aerodynamic shape, have allowed significant improvements in performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

Maximum torque is reached at a lower rev count, creating a flatter torque curve and improved in-gear response which, in turn, assists the Ballade in posting faster sprint times.

The latest-generation CVT gearbox has seven "virtual" gears, which allow it to make the most of the engine's urge.

The new Ballade performs more eagerly than before, while achieving improved levels of efficiency in the process. Honda says manual-transmission models accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.6sec, which is 0.2sec quicker than the outgoing model.

Claimed top speed is 185km/h.

The new CVT gearbox-equipped Ballade achieves even greater improvement. Its claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 11.1sec trims almost a second from the previous, automatic gearbox-equipped model's sprint time. Claimed top speed increases to 190km/h.

Combined-cycle fuel economy also shows significant improvements, compared with the previous-generation Ballade. The manual version achieves a claimed combined-cycle consumption figure of 5.9l/100km.

The CVT model is said to be slightly more economical, at a claimed 5.8l/100km.

The new sedan is equipped with six air bags - front, side and curtain - as well as seat belts with pre-tensioners and load-limiters. Active head restraints are also standard .

Another segment first is the introduction of vehicle stability assist as standard across the Ballade range. This incorporates both traction control and electronic stability control, assisting the driver in maintaining control, even in extreme situations.

Honda has also added a hill-start assist feature to the Ballade, making starts on an incline easier and safer by preventing the vehicle from rolling back.

A further innovation fitted to the new Ballade Elegance is a multi-angle rear-view camera. When reverse gear is selected, the camera view is displayed on the car's touch-screen display.

The camera angle can be adjusted to change perspective, assisting with parking.

The camera incorporates a dynamic guidance function that displays yellow guide lines while reversing to indicate the area into which the vehicle is being reversed. The lines change as the steering wheel angle is changed to show the new area into which the car is reversing.

As part of the updated interior, the Ballade Trend model gets a new audio system with integrated USB and Bluetooth.

The list of standard equipment is comprehensive and includes air conditioning, electric windows, electric folding mirrors, and remote central locking.

Pricing:

• Honda Ballade 1.5 Trend R195,900
• Honda Ballade 1.5 Trend CVT R210,500
• Honda Ballade 1.5 Elegance R220,990
• Honda Ballade 1.5 Elegance CVT R235,590

This includes a three-year/100000km warranty, a four-year/60000km service plan, and one-year roadside assistance