Finally, summer has put an appearance in and all those people with convertibles can enjoy some alfresco motoring.

The Citroen DS3 Cabrio is the latest addition to the successful and striking DS3 range, and there are three models to choose from – the VTi 82 DSign, VTi 120 DStyle and the THP 155 DSport.

I drove the top-of-the-range DSport, which has a six-speed gearbox and is powered by a 1,598cc, four cylinder, 155hp petrol engine.

It was a pretty sharp performer for such a small car and very much an entertaining drive. Handling was responsive, there was minimal body roll and, at just 3.95m long, it was easily manoeuvrable.

It is the only convertible in its sector that can carry five people, with the added benefit of the biggest boot in its segment, at 245 litres, although this still felt pretty small when attempting to fill with the weekly shop. I didn’t attempt to fit both child seats in – although there are Isofix points, this is not really a family-friendly car, even though it’s a fun one.

The electrically operated folding hood offers three positions – intermediate, horizontal and total. Controlled by a button, the hood opens and closes in just 16 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph.

So you can avoid the sniggers from other drivers if you’re cruising along and it suddenly starts raining. However, the roof pillars remain in place when the hood is folded, so it’s not quite your regular cabriolet – more like a massive sunroof. There are also some visibility issues at times, although rear parking sensors come as standard.

Entry-level kit includes cruise control, radio-CD player with MP3 compatibility and steering wheel-mounted controls and a display that tells you when to change gear for optimal fuel economy.

The DStyle adds interior mood lighting and daytime running LEDs, while the DSport has an alarm system, double chrome exhaust pipe, Bluetooth, USB socket, automatic digital air conditioning, 17-inch alloys and a carbon-fibre effect dashboard.

Standard safety equipment includes ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assistance, electronic stability control, driver’s front passenger’s front lateral and curtain airbags and front seat belt pre-tentioners with force limiters.

There is also a clever Citroen eTouch emergency and assistance system, which calls the emergency services automatically if you have an accident.

Fact File
Car: Citroen DS3 Cabriolet DSport
Price: £19,680
Top speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Fuel: 47.9mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 137g/km