BOULEVARD cruising in a roof-down convertible is the motoring equivalent of a catwalk strut.

It’s all about the look, the style and most importantly, the person in the dress or behind the wheel.

Anecdotally, car-makers are less inclined to build fast convertibles because onlookers can’t see who’s driving.

BMW recognises the need to be seen, combining badge-bred style on a very pretty boat-tailed soft top that is as easy on the wallet as it is on the eye.

The replacement for the 1-Series moves up one number but in the process, also becomes more practical, more fun and more alluring.

So if the 2-Series convertible is so good, why is the trend continuing away from sports car purchases.