The Focus hatchback has already scored well in the Euro NCAP crash tests, achieving the maximum five stars and the Coupé Cabriolet should fare no worse. Front and side airbags are fitted across the range along with Isofix mounting points for child seats. Electronic stability control (a potentially life-saving piece of kit that corrects the car’s line when skidding) is only available as an option, however it is standard on facelifted cars from January 2008 on.

The Focus Coupé Cabriolet offers 534 litres of space with the roof up – which is usefully large and slightly more than alternatives like the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and Vauxhall Astra TwinTop. However fold the roof down and this halves to just 248-litres – less than a Fiesta. On the plus side the space is easy to access (even with the roof down).

However it is possible to damage the bootlid when operating the electric folding roof. The boot-lid protrudes several inches beyond the rear bumper when the roof is in operation – an absent-minded driver could easily damage the boot-lid against another vehicle or a car park wall.