THE Honda Jazz may be one of the least well known of the superminis but it really deserves consideration by a wider audience.
Perhaps it's the name which people find off-putting since not everyone is a jazz fan, but it has been an unqualified success for Honda and is a benchmark for others in the class.
The Jazz range is comparatively small but it's well defined, equipped and priced and on the resale side of things it holds its value better than many better known rivals.
I tested the top of the range Sport version with the biggest engine and was hugely impressed by its ability, particularly for a small car with five seats.
The 1.4 engine is characteristically strong and very willing, pulling it along briskly and easily without any sign of fuss and surprisingly economically as well.
Matched to a five-speed gearbox with light clutch, direct changes and good ratios it is rapid through the box around town and refined on the motorway.
Add to these virtues the extremely finely balanced and powerful brakes and a steering system which turns it on a sushi dish, is smooth and produces plenty of feedback and you begin to understand this is a well engineered driver's car.
OK, the performance is not tarmac tearing but it will more than keep up with traffic in town and it has sufficient reserves and ratios to permit safe overtaking when necessary.
Not only is the powertrain very well matched and capable but the tight turning circle, good brakes and its composed ride make it a joy to drive in any situation.
You will find the secondary controls easy to use and the instruments are clearly displayed. The position and operation of the heating and ventilation are further commendable features backed up by quick acting powered windows.
This really is a good family car with a lot of thought having gone into providing oddments space throughout the cabin while the fifth door opens to reveal a sensibly sized and shaped boot.
For passengers, the Honda Jazz is very easy to use thanks to its wide opening large doors and low level seating and the adjustment range in the front is good.
Headroom is particularly good but even the tallest should find they are not restricted when it comes to legroom either. Visibility is very good all round, with big windows, good wipers and bright lights.
Noise is mostly confined to the suspension and road rumbles but if you really extend the engine it makes a very pleasant buzzy sound and it's not at all irritating.
I have also briefly driven the smaller engined version and found this satisfactory but not as easy to drive as it required more gearchanging. Certainly the power and flexibility of the 1.4-litre unit means you can maintain good progress with little effort and surprisingly good economy.
Over any surface, the Jazz soaks up the bumps without transferring to the cabin, even if you can hear how hard it is working, and while it rolls a little around some bends, it always feels very safe and leaves the driver in no doubt about who is in control.
It is one of the most surprising and satisfying cars I have driven in recent weeks and deserves serious consideration if you are looking for a practical five-door supermini.
FAST FACTS
Honda Jazz 1.4 SE Sport
Price: £11,500
Mechanical: 82bhp, 1,339cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 13.3 sec
Combined mpg: 48.7
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 137g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint