The CC lacks no ceature comforts

Front lights on nearside

Alloy wheel, standard fit on CC2

Engineering a four seater coupe/convertible on an existing chassis platform is not a simple undertaking. Many compromises must be made if the concept is to become a practical reality. But Ford decided that nothing less than outright success was acceptable.

Pininfarina (the Italian styling house) was briefed to share the design task, and subsequently to assemble the car from parts supplied.

So is the partnership successful? Oh yes! Inevitably the car is expertly styled, with eye catching styling cues and detail work. The boot lid is large to house the roof and roof mechanism and the time to convert from convertible to coupe takes just 25 seconds to stow from button press to drive away. The quickest in its competitive group.

And is the car good to drive? Firstly it makes you feel great. The quality of the interior, especially with the leather trim option, the build quality, the head turning looks all conspire to bolster your self esteem. But what about those compromises? Well, the car is heavier than the car on which it is based – and smaller inside. So check the dimensions below to ensure that your luggage will fit and that your choice is the correct one for you.

There is no compromise with the driving. Based on the best selling, best handling Focus, the CC comes top of the class for agility and handling. And the price is right too.

Front and rear views of Bearstreet's demonstrator