Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 83%

With many rivals being transformed from practical kickarounds into hard-riding sporty superminis, it's refreshing to see the second-generation Jazz still focuses on what's important to buyers of the original.

The Jazz leads the class for space and ease of ownership. But Honda has worked hard on making the Jazz a more rewarding drive too. Stuart Milne, deputy web editor, puts it to the test.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks
 
There's obvious Civic DNA running through the exterior of the Jazz, especially at the front where the grille is very similar. It has a more chic European look than the typically Japanese original and features funky rear lights surrounding a slick-looking rear end. Its practical nature is best revealed at the sides, where despite the rakish nose, it's still quite boxy.

7/10

2. Looks inside
 
The simple to use big buttons and dials are certainly function over form (see Practicality), but seem at odds with the modern-looking steering wheel lifted from the Civic. The dials are clear and easy to read, and there's a large trip computer in the centre of the speedo. Although the robustness of the dashboard isn't in doubt, the hard plastics seem as though they'd be prone to scratching over time.

7/10

3. Practicality
 
The Jazz's 366 litre boot (883 with the seats folded) gives a substantial amount away to the Nissan Note. But that's only part of the story. The Jazz's clever rear seats fold flat making loading large objects easy, and there's a low sill. With the seats up there's an ingenious false floor that features a cubbyhole for smaller items and the floor can lift out entirely.

There are plenty of storage spaces in the cabin – two gloveboxes, plenty of big cupholders and a large space in front of the gearstick. The controls are all very big, well laid out and clearly labelled; a rarity in modern cars. Head and leg room for front and rear passengers is exceptional.

10/10

4. Ride and Handling
 
It's not the supermini of choice for thrill seekers – the Fiesta is the car for that job – but it rides and handles well enough. It is longer and wider than before, so it's stable through the bends and the steering has just enough feel, but no more. The ride is firmer than other models in its class, but unless the road surface is particularly coarse, there should be few complaints.

7/10

5. Performance
 
There are two petrol engines on offer in the Jazz, a 89bhp 1.2 and a 99bhp 1.4; the latter available with the option of an automatic gearbox. We tested the 1.4 manual which felt lively around town and surprisingly relaxed on the motorway, with enough in reserve to briskly overtake. The 1.2 will reach 62mph in 12.5 seconds, while the 1.4 is a second faster. The automatic reaches the benchmark in 13.5 seconds. Top speeds are all in excess of 110mph.

7/10

6. Running Costs
 
Starting at more than £10,000, the Honda is priced as a premium supermini; a promise on which it delivers. Average fuel consumption figures are rated between 51.4 and 53.3mpg and we found little difficulty getting our 1.4 Jazz to cover in excess of 50mpg on a variety of A-road and urban driving. Emissions between 125 and 130g/km keep road and company car tax bills low too.

9/10

7. Reliability
 
Honda's reputation for building solid cars continues, and the Jazz's track record is positive.

9/10

8. Safety
 
Honda has employed a number of novel technologies to improve the safety of occupants and pedestrians. It has windscreen wipers pivots that snap on impact and energy-absorbing wings and bonnet hinges, all designed to help prevent injury to other road users. Inside, dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard are fitted along with yaw rate sensors to determine the angle of impact and reaction to ensure the correct airbags are deployed in the right position. This has helped the Jazz achieve a full five star EuroNCAP rating.

10/10

9. Equipment
 
The Jazz is available in four trims: S, SE, ES and EX. The S has all the basics, but you'll do without alloy wheels or aircon – you'll need to step up to SE for those. ES adds ESP, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, body coloured handles and mirrors, electric retractable mirrors, a fully adjustable steering wheel and the two-tier boot floor. The range-topping EX gets cruise control, glass roof, tinted glass, front fog lamps, arm rests and a USB socket.

9/10

10. X-Factor
 
If there's one unique selling point the Jazz has, it's space. There's simply so much of it. If you need a small car to carry people, dogs or luggage, there are few better choices.

8/10