IT must take a lot of guts for any car manufacturer to admit there were more than a few flaws in its best-selling model.

Well, Honda's Kohei Hitomi, project leader for the third-generation Jazz supermini, was not too embarrassed to admit that the previous model failed in many ways to live up to the Japanese marque's own exacting standards.

Known from its launch in 2002 as the "innovative supermini that changed expectations and attitudes towards small cars", the 2008 second-generation Jazz took the model to brand new heights, with more space, greater fuel efficiency, sharper looks and better all-round versatility.

Yet, while buyers flocked to get their hands on the new model, Honda designers and engineers pinpointed several weaknesses which they were determined to put right.

So, according to Mr Hitomi, for the third model to carry the Jazz badge, serious modifications have been made to the overall interior quality, while driving dynamics and noise reduction have also been greatly improved.

The inefficiency of petrol engines compared with diesels has also been addressed by the addition of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology and CVT gearboxes "to make the car more competitive while strengthening the Jazz brand image".

The result is a supermini that leads the way in new technology and which in turn offers up to 62mpg, yet gives a ride quality that is second to none for this size of car.

Styling changes give the Jazz a more purposeful appearance and this has helped make it a firm favourite with the both younger and older drivers alike, reducing the typical Jazz owner's average age quite considerably into the bargain.

Inside the car, there is more than enough room for four adults, while five can be accommodated at a bit of a push.

Leather upholstery is standard on some models, while other features include advanced satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and cruise control.

The 1.4-litre petrol EX and Hybrid HX models also have full-length panoramic roofs that extend behind the rear seats to give a bright, airy ambience throughout.

Despite its diminutive size, total luggage space in the Jazz can extend to a whopping 883 litres, making it easily the best in the sector. This even applies in the hybrid models, where the large battery pack and power control unit have been integrated under the boot floor.

Adding to the car's flexibility is the "magic seats" arrangement, which means the seats can be configured into a variety of combinations, making the Jazz an ideal companion for cyclists, surf boarders and DIYers who can transport flat packed furniture of up to 1,720mm long.

Nine models make up the Jazz range, two 1.2-litre and four 1.4-litre petrol-powered machines and three 1.3-litre hybrids, with prices ranging from £11,605 for the lead-in 1.2 S to the £19,335 all-singing, all-dancing 1.3 IMA HX CVT complete with optional integrated satellite navigation system.

At £16,300 the Jazz Hybrid IMA HE is the cheapest petrol-cum-electric car of its size on sale in the UK and it is also one the greenest automatic vehicle on the marketplace with CO2 emissions set at just 104g/km.

Whether in pure petrol or in hybrid mode, the latest Jazz is something of a class leader with its grown-up looks, proven technology and unquestionable reliability.

Now just a year down the road, the little Honda has already started to make big inroads within the highly-competitive small hatch market as more and more owners tune in to what the new Jazz has to offer.