The 1-Series hatchback was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating for occupant protection. The convertible version has not been tested separately, though would be expected to perform similarly. It’s very well kitted-out in terms of safety equipment with four airbags as standard. Should the car roll, then sensors trigger roll-over hoops, that pop-up in the blink of an eye – much in the same way as airbags work.

The electric folding roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 30mph, which is ideal if you get caught in a rain shower in town. It looks elegant when it’s folded away, concealed under a tonneau cover, but it’s not quick – opening takes 22 seconds. Unlike some other small convertibles, the 1-Series uses a fabric roof, which means less space is taken up for the mechanism freeing up boot space.

The boot itself isn’t huge – it would suit the needs of a couple better than those of a small family.