Cabriolets with retractable hardtops are now so common that almost every major manufacturer has one such model in its line-up, with the canvas roof ripped off for the more practical alternative of steel and/or glass.

So now that the novelty of the coupe-convertible has passed, the next stage of the trend seems to be an effort to create a smoother and more attractive profile. This is achieved by having a slightly more complex three-section folding roof instead of an awkwardly angled two-panel top.

One of these smooth newcomers is the Opel Astra TwinTop.

Looking a bit like the sporty Astra GTC three-door hatchback but with a boot, the TwinTop has an elegant coupe profile when its roof is in place. But when the fully automatic roof is stowed in the trunk, the TwinTop becomes almost handsome with typically robust Teutonic styling.

This smart-looking car is also a genuine four-seater. The two back seats are not large but they are use able enough for a pair of adults to travel in a comfortable, if somewhat straight-backed, position.

The interior is standard Opel, but thankfully it has been updated with a wider centre console trimmed in a refreshing champagne-tinged hue called Satin Stone.

This is a welcome departure from the boring silver of other recent Opels. The contrasting grey fascia for the CD/MP3 and other audio controls also provides a pleasing two-toned effect.

The tactile aspect of this car is equally satisfying. The TwinTop feels as solid as it looks. Grip the steering wheel and there is a reassuringly thick rim. It is also well-weighted and provides for a good driving position because of its four-way adjustment.

On the road, the TwinTop feels coupe-like with the top up. The body is nice and tight although very big bumps can unsettle it a bit. But with the top down, that wind-in-the-hair feeling is accompanied by a more intrusive scuttle shake.

Overall though, the TwinTop is a refined car that provides for a very pleasant cruising experience. The four-speed automatic transmission partly helps to achieve that soothing result.

Mated to the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, it is comfortingly smooth unlike the Easytronic clutchless manual gearbox found in some other Opel models.

The Ecotec engine itself may not have big lungs but it is competent and fairly quiet, unless you push it hard, whereupon it gets mildly boomy but never raucous.

As an attractively priced lifestyle model, the TwinTop certainly tops the competition.

Engine: 1,796cc
Gearbox: 4-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 140 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Max torque: 175 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
0-100 kmh: 12.7 secs
Top speed: 189 kmh
Price: $113,888 (with COE)
Distributor: Auto Eurokars.
Tel: 6749-4333