The driving position is pretty high, which means that there’s excellent all-round visibility, though the steering wheel adjusts for height only. The dash is attractively designed, with contrasting blacks and greys and a lime green surround to the stereo – much better than older Mazdas. It’s generally easy to use, with all the main stereo and heater controls well grouped.

Cars with the 1.25-litre engine sound rather coarse when they’re being pushed, otherwise engine noise is kept low. Wind and road noise have been minimised in the 2, so it beats the Fiesta in that department. But elsewhere 2 isn’t as comfortable or inviting as the competition.