THERE'S a definite risk factor when it comes to going topless on the motorway.
The heavens may open when you're still miles from the nearest slip-road or service area, mischievous or jealous motorists may 'inadvertantly' throw ciggie butts in your direction or, more commonly, it may just prove too windy, noisy and generally uncomfortable.
A blast down the motorway on a sunny Saturday nailed a few myths about wind in the hair driving at speed, in a Mitsubishi Colt CZC at least.
Supermini-size drop tops are big news these days which, coupled with the overall success of its Colt models, convinced the Japanese car maker to build one.
It was a smart move because the CZC isn't merely a spirited performer - especially in high powered Turbo guise - but it drives and handles with agility and boasts some terrific design features too.
Its piece de resistance is a retractable steel hard top that, at the touch of a switch, stows away behind the rear seats. From bleep to bleep it takes 22 seconds and, bar flicking loose a pair of clips at the top of the windscreen, is fully automatic.
Built exclusively for the European market, everything from its styling and development to the actual assembly is completed in conjunction with celebrated Italian design studio Pininfarina.
In fact an engaging feature of this car is the discreet little Pininfarina badge on each flank.
The model line-up is simple - there's a choice of either the basic Colt CZC priced at £14,026 and housing a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 107bhp, or the more fiery tested model which sports a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit and costs an extra couple of grand.
The latter pumps out 147bhp, sufficient to propel the Colt to 62mph in 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 126mph - figures which make this flagship model the fastest and most powerful turbocharged performer in its area of the market.
Of course a problem with small coupe cabriolets is that they can look a bit stubby with the roof in place, which realistically is going to be most of the time.
And that's certainly the case with the Colt; the major criticism I encountered was people likening the car to an oversize toy.
Flick that little switch though and the CZC transforms into a beast of far greater beauty, and one with excellent dynamics.
With two people on board the Colt is at its best. The seats are comfortable, materials modern and tough while the relatively high roofline ensures ample headroom and adequate protection from the wind, though you wonder why they charge an extra £173 for a rear wind deflector.
Only in the rear do things become tight. The car is marketed as a 2+2 but you would be lucky to squeeze a couple of young children in the back seats.
Both models are well sorted for safety with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and reinforced body - which means you don't need rollover bars - plus features like six-speaker MP3-compatible CD player and radio, 16-inch alloys, air-con, remote central locking and alarm/immobiliser. Turbo models add heated seats, black leather trim, traction control and sports suspension.
There's also useful storage like a cavernous boot provided the lid's up, a spring-loaded box on the dash and four cupholders.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 Turbo CZC Cabriolet
Price: £16,026
Mechanical: 147bhp, 1,468cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 168g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 6yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust