Great things come in small packages

Is it possible to make one of the best small hatches better? Honda thinks so. Just check out the new Jazz. Visually we see a more pronounced nose and restyled LED headlights, but it still retains the iconic eggshell styling.

The entry-level S comes in a 1.3 i-VTEC four pot with 73kW and 119Nm of torque, while my test car, the RS, gets the beefier 1.5-litre version (97kW/156Nm). Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or CVT auto transmission. The manual is delightful, though I expect most Jazz buyers to gravitate to the CVT.

Interior space is peerless, with head and legroom sure to accommodate all shapes and sizes, though the a-pillars can be slightly intrusive. It’s the interior itself where the Jazz comes into its own. Features like Honda’s new 7-inch Bluetooth display, Emergency Stop Assist, Parking Sensors, Reversing Camera and Hill Start Assist are just some of the kit which now comes as standard throughout the range.

On the move, the 1.5-litre is a peppy unit and the chassis is well balanced, offering a degree of fun chuck-ability usually reserved for hot hatchbacks.

In a nutshell, the Honda Jazz stands as a great package of versatility, driving enjoyment and more standard kit than any other in its class. Plus, with prices starting at a snip over $21,990, you can throw value in there too.