THERE'S no getting away from it, buyers of convertibles tend to want to be noticed. It's in their DNA.

So the eye catching dramatic new four-seater 4 Series Convertible from BMW is definitely going to be on the wish list of a bumper crop of soft top enthusiasts.

The convertible follows on from the launch of the 4 Series Coupe and like that car boasts the new enlarged, upright kidney grille which dominates the car's appearance.

It's probably all the more noticeable as it's in complete contrast to the previous, somewhat tame kidney shaped grille of its predecessor.

Add that to the sharp lines, a low slung silhouette, red brake calipers and new canvass roof - the previous generation had a folding metal roof - and the new Convertible certainly makes a statement.

All models come with M Sport specification as standard too which includes the more aggressive M Sport body kit.

But if you opt for the more expensive M Sport Pro Edition - as driven here - you also get black 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, a choice of three exclusive colours and the M Sport Pro Package.

This includes darkened headlights, M seatbelts, adaptive suspension and a sporty engine note for the interior.

The cabin is upmarket and businesslike with electrically adjustable leather seats complete with memory function, an M Sport steering wheel, a twin tone dashboard and centre colour screen controlled by a dial near the gearshift.

The car comes with keyless lock/unlock and start and as you close the door an extending arm reaches out and hands you your seatbelt

My car was fitted with a head-up display system but even without that the 4-series gives you both a digital and analogue speed readout so no excuses for getting a speeding ticket.

Ambient interior lighting creates a sophisticated look at night and I liked the fact that as soon a you open a door from the inside the lighting shade turns red to alert everyone the door is ajar.

But convertibles are all about driving topless and the new look roof is a master of wizardry with sections opening and closing one after the other in the blink of an eye like a scene from the Sorcerers Apprentice as it completes its task in just 18 seconds.

And there's little chance of getting caught in a shower as you can close the hood on the move at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.

Opt for BMW's comfort pack at £1,280 and amongst other things you get a "warm air collar" built into each of the front headrests which blows heated air onto the back of your neck - always the first part of the body to suffer on cold days when you have the roof down.

You also get a wind deflector which really is a must for any four-seater convertible. As any enthusiast will tell you it's often possible to get away with driving topless in a two-seater on a cold day without getting too chilled but not in a car with a rear seat as it‘s too open.

The 2.0-litre engine in the 420i is smooth, responsive and best described as lively rather than fast.

With its eight speed auto box it will hit 62 miles per hour in a respectable 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 147mph.

The steering is direct and positive making it an engaging car to drive quickly. And manoeuvring is made simple thanks to a screen showing both what's behind you as well as bird's eye view.

Buttons near the gear shift offer a selection of driving modes including sport, comfort, eco pro and adaptive. Wind the revs up in sport mode and the system is engineered to give you a superb exhaust note to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

There's a decent sized boot too with some 300 litres of luggage space which can be increased to 385 litres when the roof is closed.