I picked the 2ltr today. I may have wasted an opportunity. On reflection the 1.5 would probably have turned out as much fun.
The marketing team were really good people. Very friendly, not a hint of sales talk...it's not their remit.
The car was epic on many levels. The interior is a great place to be. Very easy to get comfortable. To my delight it harks back to "wearing it" not just driving it.
Bum-cheek space may be an issue for those of a higher than national average BMI to put it politely. Brakes were immense, mechanical grip seemed endless & the gearbox was the best I've experienced in any car. Performance was "adequate" in the usual 5 way. Not spectacular, but we all know it's not entirely what it's all about.
General fit & finish was good, panel gaps even, and paint quality looked up to the mark and better than a lot of recent Mazda offerings I've seen of late. The steering was very light. Over assisted to my taste, not a lot of feel, so much so when I took the tiller of my 02 Sport, it seemed heavy in comparison. In fact, the Sport seemed heavy and a bit blunt in most departments for a few miles. It passed my mind perhaps the ND is too good insofar it is so so easy to press on. It just keeps delivering no matter what you chuck at it. A complete doddle to tootle around town as well. It is not a demanding car to drive which will delight some and frustrate others. The throttle felt a bit detached in a "fly by wire" way, but that's not a real issue. Sometimes, when..erm..pressing on...the front felt loose with a second of understeer before it dug in, but the rear bit like a rabid hound.
The weather of course was perfect. It was a bonus to meet Eddie at last. I got warm handshake without a hint of residual lubricants. He's funnier..a lot...than I thought!

Ian was on top form and looking forward to taking delivery, and I don't blame him.
Would I buy one? Certainly. In 3 years when someone else has looked after it well and it's half the price.
They are good, very good. But for me, not 23k of good. But that's just me. They will sell, and sell well. They deserve it.