The arrival of the new Jazz could have significantly broadened Honda’s sales base if they could get enough of them in here, and how well it is perceived was shown by its second-place performance in the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2003. The car features a new 1.4-litre engine which has a sequential twin-spark technology that gives exceptional performance and frugality, as well as being emissions-compliant to 2005 requirements. Indeed, with only a modicum of careful driving it has produced in excess of 70mpg, while really trying will return over 100mpg. Other specification elements include electric power steering, dual airbags, and a radio/cassette unit. A very versatile seating arrangement can provide a variety of rear floor/load area configurations. Only downsides are premium price and a grumbling ride. Stars: 8/10

The range this year has a 3-door that’s a very smart looker indeed and likely to attract younger drivers who want sexy style but can’t afford the real hot hatch R version. The 5-door hatch has made an impression as a very capable car for those of us older and needing the height and ease of access. Nice touches like the dash-bedded gearshift, and a thoughtful realignment of the heater controls lift out what otherwise is not an exciting interior. The car also makes really good use of space, and for the middle-sized family is well worth a look. For those who prefer tradition, the 4-door saloon looks much like the previous version, but is a nice and zippy machine, well competitive in the class. For the tecnhophiles, there will be a hybrid version sometime in the coming year, bringing the technology to mainstream cars, though at something more than a mainstream price. Stars: 7/10.

The arrival of Honda's new Accord to Ireland in the spring of next year will mean a 'big move upwards' for the model. In addition to the 2-litre entry-level car (there's no longer a 1.8-litre option), they'll be bringing in the 2.4-litre car to the Irish market as well. The car as seen in the metal has a significantly greater 'presence' than does the current car, and the interior finish and trim reflects Honda's intention to stay up with the market in a sector where there's been strong upward movement in the last year, with significantly improved Ford, Renault, Opel and Mazda products particularly making the running. Significantly, we’re told that there might be no supply problem with the new car, unusual for Honda in the smaller markets. A wagon will also be comingProvisional Stars: 8/10

Compact MPV or softroader Recreational Vehicle? Take your choice of designation, and maybe even take a view on the shape, which people have loved or not liked. They’ve dropped the 2WD version in this incarnation, so they’re all 4WD, and come with three or five doors. It’s actually quite nice to drive, and comfortable for the family members out for the trip to the seaside or the mountains, and it doesn’t look intimidating on the school run. In this country, just 1.6-litre petrol engines, and there’s the option a CVT autotrans. There’s a fair bit of competition in this field, but HR-V does stand out at least in style. And the value of the Honda engine technology can’t be dismissed, but you’ll be paying for it anyway. Stars: 7/10

The luxury car in the Honda lineup is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and comes only as an automatic saloon. Not many get sold, so the price list has a POA in place of money, indicating that the car is really only a special order one here. Fellow commentators complain that the Legend is bland to look at, but we keep in mind that most luxury cars are, as conservatism in looks is almost a prerequisite. And if they say it is soggy to handle, well, at this Lexus level you’re not in the business of throwing cars around the place. Still, it really hasn’t made an impact, despite being originally launched here at a certain political pad in Kinsealy. So far, only Toyota has succeeded in making a Lexus. Stars: 6/10