The standard IS scored the maximum five stars for adult occupant protection in Euro NCAP crash tests and the convertible version should be equally as safe. It comes with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) which has been tuned for use in a convertible plus six airbags including larger side airbags that extend to provide head protection in the event of a side impact.

There are integrated roll-over hoops behind the rear headrests while SE-L models come with a system called Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) which will alert the driver to an imminent collision and – if an impact is unavoidable – will deploy the seatbelt pretensioners and trigger the brake assistance for maximum braking power.

The IS 250C has one of the quickest metal-folding roofs around with just 21 seconds need to drop it down and the same time to fold it back up. It’s impressive compared to the BMW 3-Series which takes around 30 seconds and although nine seconds may not seem very much, it’s important if you’re caught in a sudden downpour. Retracting the roof is straightforward and there are no catches or levers to release – just one button to push.

When the roof is opened or closed, the bootlid moves outwards but cleverly, sensors in the rear bumper will prevent it operating if it’s too close to an object such as a wall or another car. The rear seats offer useable space, with decent head room when the roof is up, however the thick rear pillars make it feel quite gloomy. Getting in and out is easy though thanks to front seats that electrically slide forward with one press of a button.

Meanwhile, boot space is an impressive 583 litres – 50% more than the IS saloon, but this is cut to 235 litres with the roof down the remaining space is shallow too.