ONE of the most impressive newcomers for a decade, the Honda Jazz is a small hatchback with big ideas. It is similar to Toyota's Yaris, but a far cleverer concept and infinitely more versatile.
Although not aimed at families, it would actually make a perfect small family hatchback, thanks to the versatility of its seating arrangement.
Honda reckons that buyers are more likely to be attracted to the Jazz for its carrying capacity, such is its ability to accommodate bikes, snow boards and other so-called lifestyle equipment.
From the outside it looks like a mini MPV, and indeed it could easily have been one, and may well be in the future. However, for now it is simply a standard five-seater, with the rear seats having a conventional 60/40 split.
Not only do the seats fold in this conventional fashion, they can also be folded in various other ways, to maximise carrying capacity.
The base can be brought up parallel with the backs, to create a loading bay on the floor between the front and rear seats. The rear seats can be folded completely flat, so that the entire rear half of the vehicle becomes van-like.
The back of the front passenger seat folds backwards right down to floor level, to create a bed, and the operation of each of these variations is unusually easy.
Honda has created a uniquely-simple mechanism that allows everything to be done in just a single movement, with very little pressure.
Every nook and cranny is utilised to form a storage area, cup holder or bin, and there is even storage space beneath the rear seats.
This is achieved by placing the fuel tank directly beneath the front seats, rather than beneath or behind those in the rear.
Although relatively tall in relation to its length, the Jazz achieves the same balanced appearance as Toyota's impressive Corolla Verso.
Another feature it shares with the Toyota is its admirable depth of quality, which is not something we usually associate with small Japanese cars, not even Hondas.
On the road it is generally very pleasant to drive, and to be driven in, although the suspension is undeniably firm and the power-assisted steering could do with a touch more precision.
There are three versions, each with the same 1.4-litre petrol engine and a five-speed manual transmission or seven-speed automatic option, which makes the Jazz the ultimate city car.
The engine is a gem, with reasonable performance and outstanding economy. It is not particularly nippy, with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 12 seconds, but the 106mph top speed makes motorway cruising effortless, and the 50mpg economy figure is better than that of equivalent diesels.
The entry model lacks a remote facility for the central locking and there's no electric operation for the rear windows but the other two versions have these features, plus air conditioning and an electric sunroof, with the most expensive Sport model also boasting alloy wheels and side air bags.
Prices start at £9,000 for the basic S model without air con or a sunroof, which will hammer resale values. The mid-range SE model costs a hefty £1,300 more, but is the one to go far, and will fetch more on the second-hand market.
For anyone in the market for a small versatile hatchback, it really does not get any better than this.
FAST FACTS
Honda Jazz S
Price: £9,013
Mechanical: 82bhp, 1,339cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 12 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 134g/km
BiK rating:15%
Warranty: 3 years/ 90,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust