It’s just as well that the Spider is only available with a paddle-shift semi-automatic gearbox, as fitting a clutch pedal in the limited confines of the driver footwell a would prove extremely tricky. However, although footrest space is at a premium, the brake and accelerator pedals line up well with the electrically adjustable steering wheel to provide an excellent low-slung driving position. The steering wheel itself looks and feels great, while the paddles that ram home the lightning-fast gearchanges operate with a luscious precision.

The heavily bolstered seats provide plenty of lateral support when cornering, but they do lack a wee bit of lower lumbar support, so it’s definitely worth taking an extended test drive to make sure you remain comfortable on longer journeys. The biggest black mark, however, is reserved for the electric switches that control the seats, as they are tucked well out of sight and are the devil’s own job to operate.

While the dashboard has a clean, high-tech layout and switching between the various selectable driving modes is relatively straightforward (thanks to a couple of neat rotary dials), the portrait-oriented touch-screen infotainment system certainly isn’t the quickest-witted device you’ll ever encounter.

And, for such a heavily stylised vehicle, forward and side visibility are simply superb. With such a clear view all around, and very few blind spots to take into consideration, it takes no time at all before you feel confident enough to start driving the Spider in the manner it was designed for.