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Car of the Year 2002: Honda Jazz
In the tough supermini sector, finding a new angle is an all-but-impossible task. Everything has either been done or isn't worth bothering with because of the costs involved. But Honda clearly doesn't subscribe to that theory. Thanks to its intelligent interior packaging system and attention to detail, the Jazz is a supermini like no other. Launched earlier this year into a market where the new Ford Fiesta was expected to clean up, the Honda has ruffled plenty of feathers. Beautifully built inside and out, it makes rivals look tired and conspicuously devoid of new ideas. It may not have a wide range, but the Jazz has quality written all the way through it. A worthy winner.

Supermini of the Year: Honda Jazz
Small cars are big business in Britain. Of the 2.3million new motors sold in the UK last year, more than 20 per cent were superminis. We'll save you from doing the maths - that works out at around half a million sales.

It's no wonder, then, that manufacturers are falling over each other to attract buyers and, during the first four months of this year, five all-new hatchbacks were launched. But good though the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Citroen C3 are, they weren't able to match our new champion.

The Honda Jazz has rewritten the supermini rulebook. That's particularly impressive because Honda, unlike its experienced rivals, has never built a proper car for this sector before. But Ford, VW and the rest seem to have got stuck in a rut, allowing fresh-thinking Honda to steal a march.

Innovation is the key to the Jazz's success, and the Japanese newcomer is a packaging masterpiece. The fuel tank sits under the front seats, allowing the floor to be positioned 220mm lower, thus creating a much taller cabin. Using this space is easy thanks to a unique rear-seat arrangement. As with all the best designs, it's simple, logical and user-friendly. The Jazz is the most spacious car in its class, nearly as tactile and well built as the Polo, and attractively styled throughout.

It's also exceptionally neat and easy to drive, with crisp, light controls, and it even has a clean and efficient powerplant, although we'd expect no less from an engine builder with Honda's reputation. The 82bhp 1.4-litre unit returns 48.7mpg, and performs admirably.

What seals the deal for the Jazz is Honda's reputation for reliability and engineering, as well as the fine value for money it represents. Plus, refreshingly, the Jazz doesn't take itself too seriously

Skoda Fabia
Our champion for the past two years couldn't quite make it three in a row. It was a close-run thing, though. With exemplary build quality, refinement, a grown-up feel and all-round practicality, the Fabia is still a sensible choice.

Ford Fiesta
Much was expected of Ford's newcomer and, by and large, it fulfils expectations. As well as crisp handling, fine road manners and precise controls, it's also practical and spacious. If only the design was a little more inspired.

Citroen C3
The C3 heralds Citroen's return to prominence as a builder of distinctive and capable hatchbacks. Questions remain about the build quality and lack of rear legroom but, in other areas, the C3 challenges for class honours. And it's exceptional value.

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