Honda Jazz

Tested against its rivals for the first time ever on UK roads, the fun-to-drive Jazz is one of the most exciting superminis we've ever experienced. Honda's radical baby is also among the most practical we have sat in, too, offering easy-to-use, fold-flat rear seats as well as plenty of cabin space. On sale in February, it's expected to cost around £10,000. Three trim levels will be available -ΊS, SE and SE Sport. Although initially the car will have a five-speed manual gearbox, a seven-ratio sequential CVT is in the pipeline and will become available later this year.

But is the Jazz good enough to steal class honours from the established elite? You can bet that the new Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo won't give up their coveted positions in this demanding arena without a fight. You'll have to read on to find out...

At 3,830mm long and 1,675mm wide, the five-door Jazz is roughly the same size as its rivals. But its height of 1,525mm means it's much taller. The Honda hides this well, though, and thanks to the balanced styling and sleek bodywork it does not look ungainly. As with the Civic, the body panels are mounted on deformable stilts, improving the car's safety in accidents involving pedestrians.

The innovation doesn't stop there, however, and under the bonnet the Jazz offers an all-new 1.4-litre twin spark engine, christened the i-DSI. Trumpeted as one of the most efficient petrol units ever, the diminutive four-cylinder pumps out a healthy 90bhp, but returns a combined economy figure of 50mpg.

That's not only top of the class, but it's better than many diesel rivals, too. To further improve economy, Honda admits it plans to develop a hybrid edition - although for the moment that car will be on sale only in Japan. Inside the Jazz is equally impressive. The dashboard looks a little fussy when compared to the bland expanses of black plastics offered by many European rivals. But the switchgear is logically laid-out and has a robust feel to it, while the buttons are easy to use.

Our top-spec SE Sport car had power windows, electric sunroof, air-con, CD player and heated wing mirrors. The front seats are huge and supportive, twin front and side airbags are fitted and, despite a small glovebox, there is plenty of other stowage capacity.

With the fuel tank mounted under the front seats, the rear compartment offers similar levels of space and comfort, as well as a trio of three-point belts. Most impressively, the back seats also fold completely flat at the tug of a single lever, freeing up a van-like load area. The process takes no more than a few seconds. Further versatility is available by folding the seat bolster up and away from the floor, offering a flat surface on which to carry bulky items.

On the road the Jazz easily cuts through traffic, its motor revving cleanly all the way to 6,500rpm. The quick-shifting five-speed gearbox has a sporty feel, but the relatively short gearing means extra acceleration at the expense of motorway refinement. The firm ride offers excellent stability and, coupled with sharp steering, the Jazz is genuinely racy. However, it's not all good news. On rough roads the suspension is too firm, and the electric power assistance robs the steering of feel. Around town, though, you really appreciate the sharp brakes and tight turning circle.

So far so good, but with plans to import only 10,000 cars a year, some of those interested in the new Honda will be disappointed. The Jazz was one of Japan's fastest sellers in 2001 - and we think it could match that success here - so why not put more on sale?

There's no doubt that the radical Jazz will shake up the small car market. It offers MPV practicality, a huge cabin and one of the most economical petrol engines in the world.

Taking its styling cues and clever packaging from both the Civic hatchback and Stream MPV, the supermini has set new standards in interior space and versatility. Our only quibble surrounds the driving experience; although able in town, the Jazz lacks motorway refinement.

At a glance

* Honda Jazz on sale on 21 February priced around £10,000

* 90bhp 1.4-litre i-DSI; 49.6mpg

* S, SE and SE Sport trim levels