20/09/2008 00:25. HOW good would it be to find a family hatch that has the economy of a supermini and the refinement of an executive saloon?

Cloud-cuckoo land or just plain daydreaming. But the new Honda Jazz - the model which has been in the top three in its sector since its birth six years ago - achieves just that.

The latest model, built on a new platform, with a smarter, more rakish suit of clothes, adds to its previous virtues of practicality and Tardis-like space by being whisper-quiet.

Engineers in Japan have managed to reduce cabin noise and harshness by an amazing 11 decibels, making it one of the quietest cars in its class.

With a choice of two petrol engines - 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre - prices when the new Jazz go on sale next month range from £9,990 for the 1.2 S to £13,590 for the... // Coventry Telegraph