It's the UK's favourite car, it's available as a hatchback, estate car, saloon and it is even successfully rallied world-wide. So what next for the Ford Focus? How about slicing off the lid?

Yes, the Focus CC (coupe cabriolet) has joined the line-up. It looks like a Focus from the front but as you swing round and look towards the rear of the car, it changes into a stylish sedan. If you weren't looking out for it, it could take you by surprise – especially when the whole roof section lifts off and disappears into the boot.

With the advent of retractable hard-tops reaching the mainstream, it's only right that the Brit number one should be able to give its drivers an alternative.

This new Ford, with the help of Italian styling specialist Pininfarina, suits the new shape, top-up and top-down, and the latest CC sure turns heads (with the roof down I could hear people's comments as I crawled along the busy sea front).

Subtle American external styling and European interior styling combines well and the accommodation is very comfortable and, dare I say it, the stylish leather seats give the car an element of desirability. The concept of this car is practical too because the space inside is not much less than the standard Focus, although rear legroom is compromised a bit by the size of the huge roof that has to be stowed behind the back seats.

The test car in icy metallic blue had a very tasteful orange leather interior with black contrasting trim and, as usual, the quality of the fittings was good. I really like the light coloured leather because, not only does it look fabulous, it's also really cool to return to after the car's been parked in the hot sun.

The roof doesn't break records when it folds away but the operation is smooth with just the usual clunk at the end of its manouevre.

Driving the car is surprisingly enjoyable for a four-seat convertible. There's no flexing of the body, even when the road becomes uneven and rough. It drives much like the hatchback version, which has always been an easy and enjoyable drive. This is very impressive because the opening (where the roof would normally be) is huge.

The engine is smooth and quiet, and despite the extra weight of the metal roof, mechanisms and long boot lid, it never struggles for power.

Overall, it is good looking, practical and offers 'ordinary' drivers an alternative.

FORD Focus CC3
2.0i 16v

Duratec convertible

Top speed: 129 mph
0-62 mph: 10.3 sec
Max power: 145 ps
Max torque: 136 lb ft
Combined economy: 37.6 mpg
CO2 emissions: 179 g/km

Price: £18,822