Just over a year ago, this was no more than a concept car designed by a team of Honda ‘mavericks’ during their evenings and weekends.

Then code-named the J-WJ, it was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of 1997 but made its debut in UK showrooms last week.

This is unusually quick. And the new model has turned into production with surprisingly few changes from its original design.

But maybe they should have waited a little longer and spent some time thinking about its name.

Let’s face it, calling a car the HR-V is hardly going to set alight the imaginations of the “young and style-conscious” customers Honda is hoping to attract.

The marketing men must have picked up on this too.

For, in an advertising campaign being launched in cinemas over the coming weeks and which features cropped-haired 20-somethings driving around to the relentless beat of a techno soundtrack, the car has been dubbed the Joy Machine.

Now that’s better. Sorted.

The Joy Machine is not a bad description of the HR-V (which, by the way, stands for hybrid recreational vehicle).

Although it looks like a people-carrier from a distance, it has a sporty and fun feel when out on the road.

It is, in fact, more like a giant VW Polo. A hot-hatchback with height, if you like.

The handling is crisp, the body feels safe and rigid while the interior offers a host of features that are all in the right place.

Power steering, anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger airbags together with air-conditioning are all fitted as standard.

Add to this four-wheel drive versatility and excellent cargo space and you could do much worse for the pounds 14,000 a basic 5-speed manual HR-V will cost.

The car is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve engine which produces 0-60mph in 12 seconds and a top speed of 101mph.

This should ensure low insurance premiums. A smart move considering the car is being aimed at the young.

As well as the 5-speed manual, there is an automatic version featuring CVT – continuously variable transmission.

Now I don’t get on well with this. You get to the bizarre situation where the car’s revs stay static while the speed increases. It just doesn’t make sense.

And, with the HR-V, CVT severely limits the performance cutting both acceleration and top speed.

Honda has also fitted the same ‘on-demand’ four-wheel drive system used on the recent CR-V.

For the most part, only the front wheels are driven and it is only when they begin to loose grip that power is sent to the rear wheels.

It is not intended for serious off-roading but to add extra grip in light snow or on grass and gravel.

And it works. Over the different road surfaces I drove the HR-V on, it was consistently sure-footed and steady.

A two-wheel drive version of the car will be available later this year.

The HR-V is roomy and highly practical inside.

So with a split rear seat and the car’s extra length, there is plenty for room for, say, snowboards.

There is a double-decker glove box, plenty of pockets for mobile phones and CDs, and five cup-holders for tins of Pepsi Max and other high-energy drinks. And the bright blue dials on the dashboard are more likely to complement rather than clash with the street wear of its young drivers.

The HR-V has no direct competitors but will appeal to someone looking for something a little bit different.

Honda will do well to keep sales down to the 5,000 it expects to sell each year.

Honda HR-V

5-speed manual

How much: pounds 13,995 on the road

How quick: 0-62mph in 12.0 seconds. Top speed 101mph

How thirsty: Combined 32.8mpg

Engine: 16-valve, four-cylinder producing 105bhp

Insurance: Group nine

I like: The fresh design, the firm handling and the space inside.

I don’t like: The CVT automatic. But, then again, I hate automatics.