There was no easing-in period for the Honda Jazz after I was handed its keys a month ago: it was straight into some dirty work. 

I’m remodelling my back garden and to promote plants I’ve been advised to dig in well-rotted horse manure and leave it over the winter. 

So the Jazz’s first task was to transport 10 bags of manure from a nearby stable to my home. This job showed just how practical the Jazz is. With the rear seats in place, the Honda has a class-leading boot capacity of 354 litres.

The Jazz’s carrying capacity expands dramatically to 897 litres when the rear seats are folded: increased practicality which is further enhanced through its ‘magic seats’ system. When two levers are pulled – one in each side of the split-rear folding seats – not only do the rear seat backs fold, but the seat bases move forward and down to create a flat floor. 

This created a boot which was able to accommodate the bags with room to spare. Loading and unloading was also made simple through a low boot lip, practicality which suggests that – hopefully like my garden next year – my time with the Jazz will be a blooming success.