Next Jazz taking shape

Here's your chance to decide, as we reveal the look of the revamped supermini, which designers at the firm are currently putting the finishing touches to.

Honda is keen not to make too many changes to the big seller, so the new car is immediately recognisable as a Jazz. The smooth profile is given a wider and lower grille to improve pedestrian protection, while the narrower headlamps retain their characteristic diamond shape.

Although the new five-door will be the same height as the current model, it will be 50mm longer and 20mm wider to provide class-leading space. The Jazz already sets the standard for interior room, while the trade­mark vertical tailgate and flat roofline mean the newcomer will be able to offer a 400-litre boot. The outgoing car's novel packaging - with its central fuel tank layout - is carried over, so the clever seat mech­anism will remain. Higher-quality trim and a fresh dash improve the feelgood factor.

Under the bonnet, a small-capacity diesel will be available for the first time, alongside a pair of petrol engines. Japanese cars will get 1.3 and 1.5-litre units, but it's yet to be confirmed whether these will replace the existing 1.2 and 1.4-litre motors here.

We've already spotted engineers working on Jazz prototypes in the UK (Issue 942), to improve the ride. The car debuts at October's Tokyo Motor Show, and is on sale next year.