OWNING an elderly Honda Jazz for more than five years, I have really come to like them, so I was very interested to drive the latest model.

My 2003 car has - touch wood - not cost me a penny over and above what I would have spent on any car during the time I've had it.

And they have consistently come at or close to the top of the reliability surveys from different organizations.

The latest Jazz is very much in the same mould as earlier models, with Tardis-like interior space plus a good boot, all within outer dimensions that make it child's play to park.

I would venture to suggest that no other supermini comes close.

There's only one 1.3 petrol engine available but with 100bhp of smooth and willing power it never feels short on puff.

It revs very sweetly but is very quiet in normal use and it can achieve a real 54 miles per gallon even with my leaden right foot.

Low speed pulling power is not bad, but real performance comes with higher revs, when 0-62mph takes a shade over 11 seconds.

The five-speed manual gearbox has been replaced by a six-speed and this has helped the acceleration, thanks to closer ratios for the first five.

And although the ride can be a little unsettled in town at slow speeds, once above 35 on an open road, it soaks up almost everything with ease.

Handling was always good, but it has still been noticeably improved and the road-holding is excellent, even when pressed much harder than most owners are likely to.

Inside there is a large touch screen for most controls - such as stereo and sat nav if fitted - but it's not very good, being rather slow to react to finger inputs and also difficult to hit on the move.

Inside is almost the same space as a Mercedes S-class according to Honda and the previous Magic rear seats are still there, folding down to make a huge flat floor in one easy movement.

Mid-range SE trim brings alloys, CD and DAB, AUX and USB, automatic lights and wipers, aircon, electric heated mirrors, Bluetooth, and cruise.

It also has parking sensors front and rear, alarm, stability control, traction control and an internet browser.