Bigger, better Jazz calls a great new tune

Strike up the band – the new Jazz is here! Honda claims its next supermini, due on sale in October, is superior to the outgoing model in every area.

And that’s some promise, as the current car has been hugely popular – with two million sold since it was launched in 2001. The Jazz has featured regularly in the top 10 of Auto Express’s Driver Power satisfaction and reliability survey.

Although it’s based on a reworked version of the current chassis, the newcomer offers more passenger and storage space – as it’s longer and has a wider track than at present.

The windscreen has been moved further forward, too, creating the roomiest cabin in class. And the 427-litre boot is 74 litres up on the original’s.

Surprisingly, though, there will be no diesel engine. Honda believes the refinement, fuel economy and performance of its i-vtec petrol units will keep customers happy.

So, power will come from 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol motors from launch. A hybrid version will follow in 2009, featuring a 1.2-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to power the car silently and without emissions at urban speeds.

As a result, this variant will offer significant tax benefits, as well as fuel bills low enough to satisfy motorists hit hard by the credit crunch.

Two gearbox options will be available: a five-speed manual and Honda’s ‘i-shift’ automated manual, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddles and a full auto mode. A light on the dashboard indicates the most economical time to change ratios using the paddles.

There will be three trims from launch, with the line-up headed by a Sport version which gets a dynamic bodykit and heavily sculpted seats.

The Jazz hits dealers here shortly after being officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Prices will start from £10,000, and rise to around £14,000 for a range-topping 1.4-litre petrol model.