The 9-3 Convertible was the first car in its class to score five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. In addition to the four airbags it also features pop-up roll-over protection should the worst happen while the windscreen surround is massively strong ensuring that it is every bit as safe as the 9-3 Saloon. Deadlocks and an alarm/immobiliser help deter thieves.

With the roof down, you lose a fair amount of the boot’s storage capacity, although you can still squeeze the shopping in. Roof up there’s a respectably sized boot as space rises from 258 litres to 352 litres – about the same as a Volkswagen Golf. However, it has no folding rear seats to increase capacity, but models with fabric seats have a waterproof membrane to provide protection should the weather catch you out