Spyshots: 2017 Honda Jazz Facelift Seen In Japan

After Honda updated the Honda City, it would be logical for the company to update the model that shares the same platform, which is the Honda Jazz.

The Honda Jazz is also known as the Honda Fit overseas, including North America, selected parts of Europe, China and Japan. 

Thanks to blog.livedoor.jp, we can now confirm that Honda is preparing the Jazz for a mid-life update. The third-generation Honda Jazz made a debut in Japan back in 2013, before arriving here in 2014. 

Honda's update to the Jazz is expected to make a Japanese debut in July, according to AutoC-One. The source added that the Jazz hybrid's existing dual-clutch transmission set up will likely see some unspecified updates. On top of that, Honda is also expected to graft on a new look for the updated Jazz. 

To recap, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre Sport Hybrid i-DCD drivetrain that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The lithium-ion traction battery is located under the boot. The non-hybrid models are also expected to receive the same visual updates. In Japan, the Honda Fit can be had with a 1.3- or a 1.5-litre engine, mated to Honda's Earth Dreams CVT-type automatic, five- and six-speed manual transmissions, on top of the earlier mentioned hybrid model.

Looking at the spyshots, headlight design appears to be similar to the outgoing model, though we can predict that Honda will give the Jazz its new corporate grille, similar to the one found on the updated City and new Civic. Seeing that the edges of the bumper are covered off, it is safe to assume that the bumper's design will be refreshed, likely with a new fog light surround.

Towards the side, changes aren't immediately visible, though we can spot that this mule wears some side skirt and a rear spoiler. Curiously, the front bumper appears to extend further than the outgoing model. 

As for the rear end, the heavy masking on the rear bumper indicates that the design is also new. Tail lamp design appears to be identical to the outgoing model.

Earlier, Honda Malaysia previewed the Honda Jazz Hybrid at the 2016 Malaysia Auto Show, subsequently dropped another teaser during the preview of the updated Honda City. We can expect Honda Malaysia to debut the Jazz facelift alongside the hybrid variant later this year.