EVERY year I try to forecast the weather and to schedule 4x4 test bookings around the time when there's the potential of snow falls - and every year my meteorological skills fail me and I get it horribly wrong.
So, enter the best snow I've seen in several years and what have I got - a rather sporty little Peugeot Coupe Cabriolet!
But the good thing about the cold snap is that it generally leads to lovely bright spells with plenty of sunshine, albeit a little on the chilly side.
So out comes the sun, and down goes the roof - after all I am meant to test out all aspects of the vehicle, and after a somewhat slippery start behind the wheel of the Peugeot 307CC, the appeal really did grow.
But be warned, there is something sinister afoot when it comes to lowering the roof. It's almost as if the Klingon cloaking device is engaged as, for some inexplicable reason, my car became invisible and was carved up left, right and centre.
It's very comfortable, great fun and has power and performance to impress plus all the latest gadgetry one has come to expect these days.
This includes leather trim, metallic paint, cruise control, sat nav and a mighty impressive sound system - well, if they can't see me, they will hear me!
And the 307 boasts an excellent safety record with four stars in the Euro NCAP rating. It is fitted with numerous airbags, an automatic rear roll-over protection system, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and traction control.
Unlike many other coupe cabriolets, the 307 seats four adults comfortably and still has a little room for luggage, although this is dramatically reduced with the roof lowered.
But all in all, this is a great drive which offers superb performance, gadgets galore and proves to be bags of fun in all weathers!
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 307 CC SE HDi
Price: £21,100
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 10.3 secs
Combined mpg: 47.1
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust