On the rare days (or hours) that you can drive a convertible in this country without looking ridiculous, it is a real pleasure.

Driving along with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, well you just can’t beat it.

However, for the seven-day test-drive of the new Peugeot 308cc, the roof was down for approximately nine minutes.

Therefore the trick is to buy a car that looks as good with the roof on as it does off.

The 308cc is that car.

Described by Peugeot as the ‘Cabriolet for all seasons’, there are three trim levels available - Sport, SE and GT with eight exterior body colours, including pearl white, near black, abyss blue and babylon red.

With a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, there is a high level of standard equipment that includes 16" alloy wheels, full body coloured exterior, front fog lights, black/grey sports cloth trim and black instrument dials.

If you’ve tried to do the classic pose of taking the roof down while at the traffic lights only for them to turn to green unusually early, the 308’s roof opens and closes while the car is moving slowly (at speeds up to 7.5mph) allowing you more time to complete the operation, although it only takes 20 seconds in total.

Priced from £19,495, there are high grip levels and suspension is firm. The 2.0-litre diesel that I was driving reaches a top speed of 129mph (apparently) and goes from 0 to 62mph in 11.4 seconds.

Comfortably sculpted front seats with their integral head restraints have an inbuilt ‘Airwave’ neck heating system, which provides warm air around the occupants’ neck, vital if you’re determined to enjoy top-down motoring regardless of the weather.

In car entertainment is provided by Peugeot’s new Connect Sound RD4-1 radio/CD player and audio pack - six speakers and audio remote control.

Air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and remote control locking glove box and centre armrest storage are also made standard. Safety and security features include the electric folding retractable roof, six Smart safety airbags, unfastened seatbelt detection system and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme that includes ABS, EBFD & EBA). EuroNcap awarded five stars to the 308cc in the adult occupancy test.

The 308cc goes on sale on June 1 2009.