The eminently practical Honda Jazz has undergone a mild update and thefaceliftedversion will be revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 2017). Here's what the Japanese firm has changed on its popular compact hatchback…

The Honda Jazz has been one of the Tokyo-based brand's best-selling vehicles and a finalist in its segment of the Cars.co.zaConsumer Awards thanks to a clever folding seat system, generous specification and Honda generally providing a trouble-free ownership experience. For the 2018 modelyear, Honda has made available a 1.5-litre iVtec engine with 96 kW on tap, as well as offering updates to the cabin trim and exterior styling. As you can see from the photos, the front end has adopted the signature Honda Solid Wing Face and features some aggressive touches on the bumper. The rear now features shallower grille sections and there's a new colour option called Skyride Blue.

This new engine piques our interest as it complies with strict Euro-6 emission standards and can be mated to either a manual gearbox or a CVT. Honda claims this new powertrain consumes just 5.4 L/100 km. The new engine forms part of what Honda calls "Dynamic" grade, which offers some sporty cosmetic enhancements such as the bigger wheels, LED headlights and red accents on the bumpers.

In terms of dimensions and practicality, this new Honda Jazz offers luggage space of at least 354 litres. With the clever 60:40 Magic Seat system in full operation, you can get up to 897 litres of cargo in, which translates to a loading length of 2 480 mm and a height of 1 280 mm. If youwantto transport furniture or curtain rails, then this should make light work of the load.

Standard features range from cruise control, automatic headlights and active safety features in the form of City Brakes. The higher spec cars featurea 7-inch Honda Connect infotainment system, rear-view parking camera, keyless entry and start, as well as advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition. We'll have to wait for the South African confirmation to see what our market receives in terms of specification. The new Honda Jazz goes on sale in Europe in early 2018.

Further reading:

10 Well-Specced Cars Under R250k

Honda Jazz (2015) First Drive

Honda Jazz (2015) Review

Cars Awards – Compact Hatchback

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