Honda's Jazz is one of the cleverest superminis around. It's a thoroughly modern design that's innovative in its use of space, with remarkably good head and rear legroom, well specced, and fitted with frugal and characterful engines. It's at its best in town where it's both friendly and fun to drive.

From the outside the brilliance of the Jazz is not immediately obvious. It has more than a hint of the MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) about it. Get inside and the Jazz will easily accommodate five adults and their luggage, but in terms of size it's definitely not a MPV. In fact it's only a little bigger than some superminis. Honda uses an intelligent dual and sequential ignition system (i-DSI). This puts two spark plugs in each cylinder to improve fuel combustion and reduce emissions.

The Jazz comes in just three trim levels the S, SE and Sport SE. Equipment levels on S models are reasonable with power steering, electric front windows and twin airbags as standard. Move up to the SE and you'll add alloys, ABS, CD player and air-conditioning. The range-topping SE Sport goes no quicker than other models but offers front fog lights and subtly racier looks. Jazz is available with a five-speed manual or seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission. The latter is an automatic with a manual override to allow you to change gear if you need to.

You sit quite high up in the Jazz, although a good range of seat and wheel adjustment makes it easy for most drivers to get comfortable and find good vision. The cabin is well planned and attractive, with big, easy-to-use buttons. The view forwards is similar to that found in a baby MPV. Steering wheel is fully adjustable and there's an excellent driving position, although the seats are a little firm. Good all-round visibility from the tall design and large glass areas. Attractive cabin with chunky switches and buttons in all the places you'd expect them. They're user-friendly, and intuitive to use.

Euro NCAP awarded Jazz four star car for occupant crash protection, three stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian safety. All have dual airbags (and sidebags on SE Sport), and ABS. Interior build quality is spot-on with quality materials used throughout. Panel fit is perfect and there are no suspicious rattles or squeaks. Jazz is one of the most desirable small cars on sale, thanks to its clever, spacious interior, frugal petrol engine, and Honda's reputation for reliability.

Here is a TV Commercial of Honda Jazz...