Ariel Nomad 2 review

Is there an interior? Well, it has a cockpit like a motorbike has a cockpit. Everything is waterproof, hosable to get rid of mud, and made of beautiful parts. The dash is carbonfibre, and the wiper linkage - exposed on the passenger side - could be a repurposed steering system off a high-end kart.

First job is to adjust the seat. That needs spanners as it's bolted. Second job, climb in. That's easier than in the original Nomad – the frame has a bigger gap at the side – but even so you'd best take up yoga and make use of the removable steering wheel. The seat is hard but supportive. With practice, the four-point harness isn't too much hassle.

Phew. Ariel talks of 'keyless entry'. But of course the entry is keyless. Look at it. Point is it also has keyless start, provided the fob is in your pocket. Dab the ignition button to bring the dash and fuel pump to life, then press the clutch and starter button.

There's nowhere as standard to put a cup or phone. Accessories beckon. Ariel will optionally fit a motorbike nav system. And a top box above the engine for luggage. This is a car you drive. There's no lane assist or radar cruise. It's hard to imagine a single buyer will miss those.

That doesn't mean its electronics are dumb. As well as the three-way engine map, you have seven stages of traction control, and a multi-way ABS with adjustable balance and off-road mode.

You have an excellent view forwards, and the Nomad is narrow so unintimidating on narrow roads. To the side, it's panoramic. To the rear, you rely on the side mirrors for driving and the reversing camera – which outputs onto the instrument screen – for manoeuvring.