Honda Jazz (2008): first official pictures

Here are the first pictures of the all-new Honda Jazz, the follow-up to the super-clever supermini that’s been on sale since 2002. You’ll have to wait until autumn 2008 for Honda’s UK dealers to launch the Jazz, but CAR has already pored all over the new supermini to bring you a full preview of the latest mini.

So what’s the new Jazz like?

Our first impressions are that it’s an easy-to-use model – with first-rate ergonomics. You can see why so many older drivers buy the Jazz; it’s easy to  own, a cinch to get in and out of and the cabin quality is impressive.

Honda says it’s given the new Jazz a ‘big car’ feel, so although it may look similar to its predecessor, it’s longer by 55mm (to 3900mm) and wider by 20mm (to 1695mm). The wheelbase is 50mm longer, too, and a slightly wider front track is claimed to make it more agile.

Handling? On a Jazz? What about practicality?

That growth spurt has liberated even more space for drivers and passengers; Honda says rear-seat passengers will benefit from 37mm extra kneeroom, for instance. We’ve sat front and back and it feels more like a car from the class above.

Honda’s Magic Seats are back, but they’re now even easier to move around the cabin – and the rear pew still folds up like a cinema seat. The new Double-Trunk boot boasts a stowaway shelf underneath the floor, which can be moved to one of four positions in the boot; the combined space in both compartments is a massive 399 litres, more than any other supermini or mini MPVs.