Way back in 1999, Honda decided that adding batteries would be a good thing and so created its first hybrid model. It was only the second carmaker – after Toyota – to put a hybrid car on public sale, but unlike the rather boxy, unattractive first-generation Prius, Honda’s first crack at a hybrid came in the glorious shape of the ultra-sleek two-seat Insight, a car known since as Honda’s UFO. Undeniably Frugal Object?

In the quarter century (plus change) since, Honda has built on that hybrid expertise, even if the sales response in Ireland hasn’t got anywhere near the successes of its fraternal Japanese rival. Blame high pricing – Honda has always fancied itself as a premium brand, and so talented cars such as the CR-V and Civic are hamstrung by overinflated stickers.

As is this, the Honda Jazz. The little Jazz has been around in one form or another since 2001. Still, it has been recently updated and now comes in a hybrid-only form, with an upgraded engine that offers more power while maintaini

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