As a rule I do not write about any car in this column until it has been around for at least three years. Three years is long enough for second hand values to have settled down, mechanical reliability to have been established and for the new-car hype to have worn off.

But from the moment that Honda launched the Jazz in February 2002 I’ve been itching for those three years to come to an end. Why? Because it’s a cracking little car that I’ve wanted to recommend as a second-hand buy for ages.

From the outside the brilliance of the Jazz is not immediately obvious. It has more than a hint of the MPV 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 achieves this Tardis-esque feat by clever packaging, incorporating plenty of glass and using light-coloured interiors. It has also removed the fuel tank from the back of the car and replaced it with a thin flat one beneath the centre, liberating boot space. At the same time a low floor and high roof line give bags of headroom. On the road the light steering and precise gearchange will have you flicking the Jazz around town with ease, and parking is a cinch thanks to a good turning circle and great visibility.

But while all these features are impressive the Jazz has another card up its sleeve: its engine. 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. Originally available only with a 1.4 litre engine that produces 82bhp the Jazz manages a remarkable 48.7mpg. Late in 2004 Honda added a smaller 1.2 litre, 76bhp engine, boasting the same technology. With only 6bhp less, performance is nearly identical to the larger unit.

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. If it appeals to you make sure you pay no more than a £500 premium for one.

Like many small cars the natural habitat for a Jazz is in the city and stop-start driving is easier with an auto box. While small cars with auto boxes don’t always work well the Jazz’s transmission is near flawless. The CVT-7 gearbox uses a constantly variable transmission system for seamless gearchanges and also offers drivers the chance to change manually between seven ratios.

Now, if you’ve read this far and are hoping for me to whip out a big negative about the Jazz I’m afraid you’re about to be disappointed. The worst I can say about the car is that for some the ride around town is a little on the firm side and that Honda managed to produce some pretty dreadful colours.

Apart from that the Jazz is difficult to fault. Three years after the launch owners still love them and dealers can’t get enough of them. The only downside is that this means residual values remain strong and potential buyers will have to pay top money.

Engine 1.4 litre later joined by 1.2 litre in October 2004, which is now fitted to base models

Warranty New cars come with a three- year/90,000-mile warranty

Servicing Every 12,500 miles, or annually

Safety Front airbags standard on all models, but no side airbags on base model

Insurance group 1.4 SE is in lowly group 3 and SE Sport in reasonable group 4

Uneven tyre wear Honda's alloy wheels often badly damaged by kerbing; uneven tyre wear may result

Load space Drop the rear seats and move the front seats forward to create a loading area more than 7ft in length

Cupholders Clever illuminated cupholders at the dashboard centre

Fuel tank Its siting under the floor allows a generous load capacity of 353 litres

Brakes No antilock braking system on the base model until April 2004

Wheels Alloys on SE and SE Sport but not on base model

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Honda Jazz 1.4i-DSI SE
Engine Four-cylinder, 1339cc
Power 82bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 48.7mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 13.3sec
Top speed 106mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Honda Jazz 1.4 i-DSI SE, 2003 03-reg with 20,000 miles and balance of manufacturer’s warranty. Pay £8,225 at a Honda dealer or £7,500 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY . . .

2004 53-reg Ford Fiesta 1.6 Ghia
2004 04-reg Peugeot 206 1.4 16V SE
2003 53-reg Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVTi T Sport
2003 53-reg Seat Leon 1.6 16V S
2002 52-reg VW Polo 1.4 SE

VALUES: Honda Jazz 1.4i-DSI SE



SE Sport worth £500 more than equivalent SE. CVT-7 automatic worth £700 more than equivalent manual and available only with a 1.4 litre engine.

Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'Retail' is what you would pay a dealer