For corporate drivers, the less time involved in having cars checked over the better. However, Mazda’s pragmatic, some claim old-fashioned, approach decrees annual as well as mileage-related servicing.

Thankfully, Johnsons Mazda Oxford went the extra miles, bringing our 3 within its free collection and delivery orbit for a 12-monthly, oil transfusion/filter change and medical. The otherwise seamless process was compromised slightly by not being alerted to the low fuel level when the fault-free Mazda returned.

I discovered it the following morning via the yellow warning light with 30 miles of range left (pictured). Fortunately, a diesel pump is 300m from home and an early departure the following day was not planned.