Honda Stream
Even though it is one of the most practical small cars on the planet, the Jazz isn't big enough for everyone. For those who need more than five seats, Honda has revamped its Stream, a car which has never followed convention or had any real sales success in this country.
In a class where much of the competition is based on cutting-edge platforms, the Stream is showing its age, despite this facelift. While it's dynamically competent, the lack of a seventh seat and the dull cabin could mean prospective purchasers will head elsewhere. However, the styling is greatly improved, and buyers do get good value for money.
Even though it is one of the most practical small cars on the planet, the Jazz isn't big enough for everyone. For those who need more than five seats, Honda has revamped its Stream, a car which has never followed convention or had any real sales success in this country.
As if the original concept of fitting MPV-style space into an estate car body wasn't unusual enough, the Japanese firm has now removed a seat - leaving room for only six. We tried it out to see if we could understand the logic.
The most noticeable changes that have been made by Honda's designers are to the Stream's nose. The bland face of the previous-generation model has been replaced by a more youthful, bulbous front end. Clear-lensed headlights have been fitted, along with a fresh bumper, and it's done wonders for the Stream's awkward shape.
At the rear, new lights are installed above a more shapely bumper to give a distinctive finish. Move inside, and it seems the designers in charge of the MPV's makeover lost their momentum. Much of the switchgear has come straight out of the Civic, and there have been very few significant alterations, other than the removal of that seat.
Cutting down on its people-carrying capacity may seem like a strange idea, but Honda decided the middle row of three seats should be replaced by two individual chairs and a centre console, which houses an armrest and cup-holders. As a result, passengers will be more comfortable, but the Stream has lost some of its versatility.
However, the key strength of any Honda is the driving experience, and the Stream is no exception. Despite being mechanically identical to the old model, it's still good to drive, with a high-revving 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine which delivers strong performance.
The dashboard-mounted gearlever is connected to one of the finest gearboxes fitted to any family car, with a snappy movement and well spaced ratios. At £17,013, the Stream is cheaper than similarly equipped rivals. And that's logic we fully understand...
