New Honda Ballade : Anyone has it/driven it?

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Sideshow Bob

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Hello Guys,

Anybody here has new Honda ballade (2013/2014) ? Would you recommend it? Any problems?

We would like to buy one rather soon so I would appreciate any feedback.
 
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Haven't driven it but you can never go wrong with a Honda. Especially a ballade.
 
vicv said:
Haven't driven it but you can never go wrong with a Honda. Especially a ballade.
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You meant to say Civic, surely? The latest Ballade is actually the City (sedan version of Jazz / Fit), but due to the VW Citi that was still available locally when the Honda City was launched, they rebadged it to the Ballade.

So if it's the "Ballade" heritage you're after, look at the Civic.
 
surface said:
Hello Guys,

Anybody here has new Honda ballade (2013/2014) ? Would you recommend it? Any problems?

We would like to buy one rather soon so I would appreciate any feedback.
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I have it. Elegance model.

Love it. Never a days problem. Fuel efficiency is quite good. Full alloy spare wheel too.

What would you like to know?

I'm shocked there aren't more of them on the road to be honest.
 
FarligOpptreden said:
You meant to say Civic, surely? The latest Ballade is actually the City (sedan version of Jazz / Fit), but due to the VW Citi that was still available locally when the Honda City was launched, they rebadged it to the Ballade.
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That's not the reason.

They want to capitalize of the Ballade's good name in the country.
 
FarligOpptreden said:
So if it's the "Ballade" heritage you're after, look at the Civic.
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The Civic and the Ballade are two different cars.

I don't have anything bad to say about the car. I was looking at them last year when I was looking for something new. In the end it just didn't appeal to me.

I have however gotten a lift in a new one before. It was an automatic.

Good solid feel, roomy inside and quite comfortable. It also has VSA, which is a plus in my books.

Would like to drive one one day.
 
When I got my car I test drove the focus. What a huge difference in perceived quality. In the Ford everything felt cheap of corners cut to save costs, while the Ballade felt totally different. This like plastic steering wheel vs plastic, maria biscuit spare wheel vs alloy spare.

I know they aren't in the same class, but the Ballade just felt better quality to me.
 
mr_norris said:
The Civic and the Ballade are two different cars.
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Sigh... Did you even read my whole post? The latest Ballade is actually the Honda City. It's not the same Ballade that's been around for ages - that was actually the Civic that was sold under the Ballade nameplate in South Africa. So, "Ballade" heritage would mean he should get a Civic, as that was what was actually sold in our country during the 80's and 90's.

You're welcome to [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Ballade]read up about it[/url] if you don't believe me.
 
My father in law has a ballade. Its pretty nice for that price range, I was really impressed.

I cant decide if I am going to get a new ballade or a 2n hand accord.
 
Chevron said:
I have it. Elegance model.
Love it. Never a days problem. Fuel efficiency is quite good. Full alloy spare wheel too.
What would you like to know?
I'm shocked there aren't more of them on the road to be honest.
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Thank you. Elegance is the one we looked at - looks & feels great when I drove it. Reason for asking was exactly that - haven't seen many on the road so was wondering if there is anything I do not know about.
 
Chevron said:
I have it. Elegance model.

Love it. Never a days problem. Fuel efficiency is quite good. Full alloy spare wheel too.

What would you like to know?

I'm shocked there aren't more of them on the road to be honest.
Click to expand...

Are you a midget? Serious question.

I had a look and sit in the Ballade last time I was at Honda booking my Accord in for a service. How is anyone over 5'10 supposed to drive without their head scraping along the roof? I put the seat as far down as it would go, and my head still made an impression on the roof lining, and I'm only 6ft.

As for old Ballade's, the SOs family has an early 90s model with nearly 500,000kms on the clock, still going strong despite being used and abused by her gran's handyman. Still on the original clutch if you can believe it. It has an excellent reputation, I just wonder if the new models will live up to it.
 
TehStranger said:
Are you a midget? Serious question.

I had a look and sit in the Ballade last time I was at Honda booking my Accord in for a service. How is anyone over 5'10 supposed to drive without their head scraping along the roof? I put the seat as far down as it would go, and my head still made an impression on the roof lining, and I'm only 6ft.

As for old Ballade's, the SOs family has an early 90s model with nearly 500,000kms on the clock, still going strong despite being used and abused by her gran's handyman. Still on the original clutch if you can believe it. It has an excellent reputation, I just wonder if the new models will live up to it.
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Well in modern measurements I'm 1.7 metres and no problem at all.
 
Chevron said:
Well in modern measurements I'm 1.7 metres and no problem at all.
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Ah, 13cm shorter than me then, I can see how that helps a bit. The SO is 1.7m and felt a bit crowded in the Ballade, strangely neither of us have a headroom issue in her Brio.

Why did you go for the Ballade instead of the Civic? Was it as size or budget issue?
 
I have seen a few Ballade's built in Mexico, but in terms of quality there is nothing wrong with them no matter where they originate from.
 
Chevron said:
I have it. Elegance model.

Love it. Never a days problem. Fuel efficiency is quite good. Full alloy spare wheel too.

What would you like to know?

I'm shocked there aren't more of them on the road to be honest.
Click to expand...

Heh, funnily enough, have also been looking at one of these (the Elegance specifically!). Glad to hear it has a full spare wheel, those "biscuits" really annoy me!

BTW, what is so bad about the Brio (wife is really keen on one!)?

B
 
Bismuth said:
Heh, funnily enough, have also been looking at one of these (the Elegance specifically!). Glad to hear it has a full spare wheel, those "biscuits" really annoy me!

BTW, what is so bad about the Brio (wife is really keen on one!)?

B
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You get what you pay for with the Brio, it's cheaply made and plasticky, but then again it is very cheap. It's reliable though, just like a proper Honda should be. Even though my SO drives one, I would advise against it, rather look for a second hand, low mileage Jazz for the same price. MUCH better option.
 
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