Honda Tygerberg and Honda Soutern Africa at it again with selling Honda Ballade RS with LEATHER TRIM while they know that the seats are covered with cheap vinal.

I bought a new 2021 Honda Ballade RS (Top Spec) from Honda Tygerberg. I think that my Ballade was the first to leave the dealership on 4 January 2021. In August of this year, I noticed cracks appearing in die the driver's seat that is supposed to be leather trim. The cracks soon opened as cuts. My car was inspected at Honda Tygerberg on 14 September 2022. I was informed that a replacement seat could cost more than R 9 000 excluding their labour cost. Honda Tygerberg could not replace or repair the seat under the warranty. The service consultant advised me to take the car McCarthy's Auto Trimmers, Maitland. On 20 September I then took the car to McCarthy's Auto Trimmers, Maitland for a quotation. To my shock I was informed that this top spec Honda Ballade RS 2021model do have leather trip and seats as per Honda Spec sheet, but rather cheap vinal. McCarthy's Auto Trimmers, Maitland even gave a sample of what leather looks like and pointed out the differences in the material. Back at Honda Tygerberg I discussed the issue with the service consultant ad pointed out the differences in the material. Up to this date Honda's Spec Sheet shows leather trim on the RC model. I am not sure that discrepancy could only happen to my 2021 Honda Ballade RS or Wheater is possible that all these cars were brought into our country with this Vinal sold to us as LEATHER TRIM. Honda Ballade RS is not sold cheap in South Africa. Sales Representative make a point of the fact that Honda Ballade RS has got all the bells and whistle to secure that buyers get value for money and the comfort they pay for. Therefore, it is my humble opinion that owners of RS models should have their vehicles checked to make sure that we all get what we paid for. I do have the information from McCarthy's Auto Trimmers, Maitland. As is usual Honda Tygerberg I will have to wait until 22 September 2022 as the Manager was on training and only he can give the written report and remarks on his inspection. I hope that all Ballade RS models will respond on this issue or Honda Southern Africa will take all of us for 'n very expensive ride.