HONDA is hoping that the recent arrival of its all-new Jazz will be ideally suited to the current economic climate thanks to a host of changes and improvements including a pair of low-emission engines.
The company is aiming to arrest the most recent sales slump of 38 per cent during December, bringing the total reduction for 2008 to just over a fifth.
The Jazz is lacking a diesel option, which now accounts for almost half of all UK car sales but there are petrol alternatives with impressive economy and CO2 figures nonetheless.
The 90bhp 1.2-litre unit achieves 55mpg with improved CO2 emissions of 120g/km.
The 1.4-litre engine raises power from 83bhp to 100bhp with economy of 54mpg for the manual model and a CO2 rating of 123g/km.
There is also the option of a six-speed automated manual transmission on the 1.4-litre engine, which is a first in this class.
A shift indicator light on manual models similar to that on the new Accord provides a visual prompt of the best gear shift points to maximise economy.
Ride comfort is improved through a number of suspension revisions and there is a longer wheelbase and wider front track.
Honda's stability-assist advanced braking system is now available across the range.
Stopping ability has also been increased with larger brake front callipers and the brake pedal has been tweaked to improve its operation and feel.
The height of the revised Jazz remains the same but the length of the car has increased by 55mm and it is slightly wider.
Getting in and out is easier thanks to wider-opening rear doors which open in three steps.
Inside there is more headroom and an improved driving position, reduced-width windscreen pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous car.
Among the innovative features is a double-trunk boot feature in the luggage bay that can be configured in four ways to accommodate different-sized loads.
EX models are equipped with a panorama roof that extends over the rear seats for an expansive sky view and there is heat-absorbing glass plus an electrically-operated blind.
More comfortable front seats have been fitted, along with a height-adjustable driver's seat and a steering wheel that is adjustable for reach and rake on 1.4 models.
A single CD/radio is integrated into the fascia and incorporates MP3/WMA playback and speed-controlled volume adjustment. In 1.4 EX models a USB adapter is positioned in the centre storage box.
Full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions are standard and the front passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow a rear facing child seat to be fitted to the front seat.
Prices are £9,863 for the entry-level 1.2 S and £10,840 for the SE, plus £11,248 for the 1.4 ES and £12,520 for the 1.4 EX.