There are two petrol engines; a 99bhp 1.6 and a 143bhp 2.0. The 1.6 is substantially slower than the 2.0, which itself is surprisingly sluggish. You have to work it hard to get up to speed and be careful not to let the revs drop too low. The 134bhp 2.0 diesel, on the other hand, is flexible and pulls strongly whatever the situation.

The price for turning a hatchback into a convertible is often extra body flex, which compromises ride and handling. Ford has cut this effect down to a bare minimum with the Focus CC; its stiff body helps it drive brilliantly whether the roof's up or down. Sharp steering adds to the fun and the ride is compliant over most road surfaces.

When the roof's in place, the Focus CC does a good impression of a full-time coupe. There's a little wind noise, but the cabin is quiet, even at motorway speed. You don't get buffeted about too much when the lid's down, either, especially with the optional windbreak in place. The 2.0 petrol engine is hushed and refined at all times; the diesel is noisier, but smooth and quiet nonetheless.

The Focus compares favourably on price with rivals such as the VW Eos, but's on a par with the likes of the Renault Megane CC and Vauxhall Astra Twintop. Running costs are reasonable for all models and the diesel is particularly frugal. Residual values aren't as strong as the Eos, but they're better the Astra's and Megane's.

As with the hatchback, the Focus's interior has some appealing materials on the upper dash, but those lower down have a rather functional look. There's a generally solid feel throughout and Focuses have a decent reliability record, but it's too early to say how the complex roof mechanism will fare in the long run.

Every Focus CC comes with anti-lock brakes, but stability control is a £250 option across the range. There are front and side airbags, while the C-C has strengthened front pillars and pop-up hoops to provide protection if the car rolls. Deadlocks are fitted and a metal – rather than cloth - roof makes the C-C less appealing to thieves than a conventional convertible.

The Focus CC's dash is the same as the hatch's, which means that it's well ordered and easy to use. The driving position is good; tall drivers will appreciate the fact that the seats are mounted lower than the hatch, which makes it less likely you'll feel that you're perched too high. Despite the high boot line, rear visibility is fine when the roof's in place.

In hatchback form the Focus has one of the roomiest cabins in its class. There's not as much space inside the CC, but with the roof up there's still enough head- and legroom for four adults to travel in decent comfort. In hard-top mode the boot is huge - bigger than the Focus' rivals and some large family saloons. Fold it away and the capacity - and load entrance - is more than halved.

Even the cheapest Focus Coupe-Convertible models come well equipped. Entry-level CC-1 trim includes air conditioning, alloy wheels, four electric windows and heated, electric door mirrors. CC-2 adds larger alloys, a heated windscreen and front fog lamps, while extras on the CC-3 include leather upholstery, electric driver's seat adjustment, a CD changer and automatic lights and wipers.