The Jazz was crash tested in 2009 under Euro NCAP’s more stringent criteria, so expect Honda Jazz safety levels to be very strong. This is one overall rating (from one to five stars) that covers adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and a new area of assessment – safety assist. It gained the maximum five star rating which is impressive for a small car.

All Jazz models come with six airbags (front side, and curtain airbags) and electronic stability control is fitted on ES and EX models. Also standard is Isofix child seat mounting points and active front head restraints that can help reduce the risk of whiplash injuries during a crash.

The Jazz has a larger boot than most cars in the class above with a minimum capacity of 399 litres. 1.4-litre models come with extra storage areas under the boot floor and there is also a two-tier glove compartment in the front of all cars. The Jazz retains the versatile rear seating of the original and some features have been further improved. One example is the rear head restraints – these now slide down which means you can fold the rear seats flat without having to remove the headrests first.