Two petrol engines and a diesel engine are available in the Focus Coupé Cabriolet. The cheapest choice is the 1.6-litre petrol producing 100bhp, but although smooth, it’s not especially quick and takes 13.6 seconds to cover the 0-62mph benchmark. The 145bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is better – it’s more urgent with good pulling power, however it’s the diesel which is the real pick of the range.

The 2.0 TDCi engine may not be the obvious choice for an open top car, but it’s quiet and refined and sprints from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds (the same time as the 2.0-litre petrol). Unlike the two petrols it comes with a six-speed gearbox, rather than a five-speed – however all the transmissions are positive and slick-shifting.

Thanks to extra body stiffening, much of the keen handling that the standard Focus has become renowned for, is carried over to the CC. It’s surefooted through corners with plenty of grip and the steering is responsive with good weight and feel. Even with the roof down there’s very little flex in the body, although it isn’t quite as stiff as alternative convertibles like the Volkswagen Eos for example.

Over uneven and bumpy roads there’s no vibration through the cabin, the supple suspension dealing well with poor surfaces. The trade off is a more body roll in tight bends than a standard Focus hatchback.