Honda Motors South Africa is seeing out the year with a bang as it ushers in two new models this week. The Honda WR-V and new Ballade were introduced to the SA media during events held in the Western Cape. Double Apex went along to learn about the newcomers and have a brief taste of what each has to offer.

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New Honda Ballade

Honda Ballade is a nameplate that holds a lot of brand presence for the Japanese automaker in the local context. Over several generationsm stretching bck to the 1980s, the little sedan has helped cemented a reputation for fuss-free motoring at a decent price point. If your family didn’t own a Ballade, you most certainly know someone who did. This latest model is a continuation of that constant theme.

All-new from the ground, the eighth generation Honda Ballade is built in India and imported into SA. The latest iteration has moved upwards in terms of market placement. It is still a regular sedan that has several design cues linking it to other members of the current portfolio. The front end is dominated by a prominent silver garnish that stretches from headlamp to headlamp, which to our eyes seems a little larger than need be. The sculpted taillamps reminded us very much of the same items on a BMW 3 Series. The shape is otherwise a pretty simple, three-box in execution.

Honda Ballade interior

The most notable upliftment, over its predecessor, has taken place inside where the new Ballade feels more premium and upmarket. Material choices feel of a higher quality and the perceived build feels a step up from most of its rivals. Oh, and the cabin has grown, thanks to larger external dimensions, to free up additional passenger room.

Buyers can choose between three trim levels in the new Ballade range: the entry-level Comfort, mid-spec Elegance and range-leading luxurious RS (which stands for road sailing, not Renn Sport or Rally Sport), that Honda is quick to point out isn’t a performance halo. Regardless of which level one chooses, each Ballade is equipped with electric windows, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, keyless start, alloys wheels, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, six airbags and electronic stability control. The two models higher up the range offer an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eight speakers and rear parking guidance as well.

Powering all derivatives in the new Ballade range is a 1,5-litre i-VTEC engine that is mated exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The inline four-pot engine has 89 kW and 145 N.m of torque. The CVT does a good job of accessing the engine’s torque on the move and when overtaking. We noted that the motor registers low r/min when at the national limit. We also noted that he interior seems quiet and well insulated to noises from the engine bay, wheels and surrounds.

Pricing
Honda Ballade Comfort R336 500
Honda Ballade Elegance R366 900
Honda Ballade RS R396 900

All models come standard with a five-year/200 000 km warranty and four-year 60 000 km service plan.

Honda WR-V

Even bigger news for the brand is the launch of an all-new compact SUV called the Honda WR-V. The small SUV segment is one of the fastest growing in SA. All the volume automakers offer options in this space. Honda already has a few SUV alternatives in the local context, but the WR-V is aimed at a young buyer who wishes for something smaller than an HR-V but not quite as dowdy as a Jazz.

Read our Honda Jazz Sport driving review here.

Speaking of which, the Honda WR-V is based on the platform of its popular hatch sibling. New metal all round gives the WR-V an appearance aimed at the young, and young at heart. Again, Honda has applied some design cues to create a family resemblance. Chunky and bold lines help to differentiate the crossover from its city car underpinnings. 16-inch alloys across the range add to its kerb appeal.

Honda WR-V interior

From the driver’s seat there is a sense of familiarity if you’ve ever driven in a Jazz. A range of adjustment is afforded by a height adjustable captain’s chair and steering column. The facia layout is clean and uncluttered. My co-pilot (who is a bit taller) on the event commented favourably on the rear passenger space. We did note that there isn’t a great deal of boot volume, the cargo area just managing to accommodate our two overnight bags and laptop backpacks. The rear seats fold in multiple ways to allow long objects to slide into the cabin, or even tall items (up to 1,2 metres) to be placed upright in the rear footwell with the cushion folded up.

Honda SA presents the WR-V in two flavours: Comfort and Elegance; both have a decent list of standard items. Among these are six airbags, ABS brakes, LED daytime running lights and LED taillamps, climate control air-conditioning, rear parking guidance and USB connectivity.

There is just a single powertrain option available in the WR-V locally. A 1,2-litre naturally aspirated inline four that is mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The engine produces 66 kW, with the help of high-revving i-VTEC trickery, and 110 N.m of torque. Our time in the WR-V was spent on the open roads of the Cape Winelands. On the arterial tracts cutting through local farmlands we found the engine a tad lacking in oomph. Most rivals offer turbocharging, and the nice slug of mid-range torque that it brings, whereas the small naturally aspirated engine of the WR-V really does need to be worked hard to make quick/safe progress.

Pricing
Honda WR-V Comfort R289 900
Honda WR-V Elegance R319 900

All models come standard with a five-year/200 000 km warranty and four-year 60 000 km service plan.