We’ve passed the half-way point in our long-term test of the Mazda2 supermini. Since its launch in March 2015, the model has provided a welcome volume boost to the Japanese brand’s dealer network.

Examining supermini sales since the start of this year shows that the Mazda2 faces stiff competition in its attempt to receive broader attention in a big pond. It is currently 12th in the segment, and fighting hard to overtake the Hyundai i20 and Suzuki Swift. In the retail market alone, however, it is in 11th place with 3,204 registrations, just behind the Swift but ahead of the i20, whose volumes have fallen by almost a third.

Of course, the Mazda2 has little chance of catching the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo. This trio accounts for 53% of retail supermini registrations – the Fiesta alone has taken 24% of the market with its 28,424 registrations in the first four months of 2016.

Nevertheless, buyers are  singing the Mazda2's praises. Purchasers rate it 9.1 out of 10 on Reevoo, which is proudly displayed on Mazda’s website. Comments include: “Comfortable and beautifully finished”; “Good performance and fun to drive”; and “smooth, comfortable and an attractive car inside and out”. Buyers’ gripes are scarce, but seem to concern some of the technology, such as the i-Stop stop-start system and the navigation system being complicated to use.

Another nice touch alongside the Reevoo information is the function to ‘ask an owner’ as well as previously asked questions.