Visibility is excellent thanks to the large windscreen as well as some added glass in the A-pillars. This makes it incredibly easy when pulling out of junctions. There is some engine noise in the diesel model as it has to be worked to get it up to speed, but there is little intrusion from wind and road noise. The layout is simple and getting used to the buttons and dials on the centre console takes little time.

For such a compact-sized car – the ix20 is around 200mm longer than a Ford Fiesta – it’s exceptionally roomy inside with plenty of headroom for all passengers, thanks mainly to the high roofline, but it’s the rear legroom that is the most impressive. Any adult over six foot will have a comfortable journey in the back and the legroom is actually better than that of a Volvo XC90.

The front seats also offer good comfort and would be more than adequate for long trips without giving the driver any problems. Despite sharing some components with the Kia Venga, testing on UK roads means the ix20 performs much better when it comes to driver and passenger comfort.