New Honda Jazz drives forward with fresh look

With a new, fresh face and a return of the constantly variable automatic transmission, the Honda Jazz is looking to appeal to a new audience when it is released early next year.

Slated for sale on February 1st 2011, the new look Jazz will also receive suspension improvements that aim to both refine the ride and improve the handling, while leather upholstery has also been added to the range.

Additionally, there is a marked improvement in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. All together, the new offering will cost as little as £11,295 on the road for the Jazz 1.2 S model, rising to £15,995 for the Jazz Hybrid base model.

The company said that the challenge for Honda engineers was to improve the car without "compromising on the characteristics that make the Jazz so popular".

It added: "But by enhancing the car's strongest qualities, Honda has taken the Jazz on to the next stage, producing a car with greater flexibility, better looks, increased ride comfort and improved eco credentials."

Earlier in November, Honda revealed its electric Honda Jazz in Los Angeles, aiming to develop its new plug-in hybrid platform and its place in the Honda Electric Mobility Network.