Honda Teases a Facelifted Jazz Ahead of Launch

The Honda Jazz is widely considered to be one of the best subcompacts around, thanks to its premium build and its Japan Car of the Year legacy. One would think that Honda would opt to rest on its laurels with the Jazz, but that’s not what the Japanese brand is known for. And so, perhaps as early as this year, we may soon see a facelifted Honda Jazz after leaked images surfaced online.

Exterior updates

From what can be seen in the leaked images, the Jazz exterior undergoes some significant changes, especially upfront. The new Jazz nose mimics the update given to this year’s Honda City, where a thick chrome strip connects the two headlights together. Expect LEDs headlamps this time around, similar to the one used in the City. Aside from the headlights, the front grille and bumper also get a design upgrade. The prominent chrome wing piece positioned below the Honda emblem appears to have been removed.

A new set of alloy wheels looks to be the only change to the sides. The new wheel design sports an alternating twin and single spoke design, where the twin spokes are in chrome and the single ones are in black. At certain angles and certain times of day, you may not notice the black single spokes at all.

Updates to the back include a subtle styling change to the rear bumper, LED inserts for the rear combo lamps, and a new tailgate mount. As well, the new lower apron now has a chrome outline added at the bottom.

A view of the interior has not been made available, but judging from the similarities to the new City, it’s safe expect some minor equipment additions inside to mimic the City as well.

Performance details

Engine details haven’t been released as well, but it’s highly likely this upcoming Jazz will stick to the 118-hp, 1.5-liter Chain Drive SOHC i-VTEC 16 valve the current model is equipped with. Transmission options will likely remain between a 5-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). There were early reports of a downsized 1.0-liter turbo engine, but this may be reserved for the next gen model which is set to arrive sometime in 2019.

Honda is preparing the updated Jazz for a June international release. Looking at the manufacturing time frame, the new Jazz could reach our shores late 2017 or early 2018.