Like its Indian sibling, the changes are subtle with redesigned front and rear bumpers, new grille, new alloy wheel designs, altered headlights with full LEDs on the flagship Executive model, and new LED taillights. Inside, the interior gains upgraded materials, a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Bluetooth and USB, and ISOFIX mounting points on all models.

Spec-wise, the Ballade will be available in three levels with standard items on the base Trend including daytime running LEDs, four-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB, chrome grille, electric windows all around with one touch up/down function for the driver, four airbags, ABS with EBD, auto lock/unlock doors, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Control.

Building on this, the Elegance adds colour coded door handles and mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, the aforementioned touchscreen display, reverse camera and telescopic steering column, while the Executive features 16-inch alloys, chrome door handles, leather seats, push-button start, automatic air-conditioning and keyless entry.

Motive power again comes from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine developing 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque, with drive going to the front wheels through a five-speed manual or CVT, the latter fitted as standard on the Executive. Top speed is a claimed 190 km/h with 0-100 km/h taking 9.6 seconds for the manual and 11.1 for the CVT. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 L/100 km and 5.8 L/100 km respectively, and emissions at 140 g/km and 137 g/km.

A five year / 200 000 km warranty and four year / 60 000 km service plan are standard across the range.

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