Ferrari’s California T can be summed up in a single word: compelling. It shuns lap times in favour of usable performance and it’s incredibly likeable.

There’s some debate over whether a turbo-charged Ferrari is actually something new or not, but however you look at it, the California T is the first of a new generation of ‘Prancing Horses’ that incor­porate a turbo not just for power but for efficiency under the unsympathetic gaze of the European Parliament.

This is the first implementation of the brand’s new 3.9-litre engine, a heavily modified version of which you’ll also find in the 488 GTB supercar. It’s targeted at the opposite end of the driver scale, though, so leave your signed Sebastian Vettel driving gloves at home and prepare to indulge in what still seems like a new concept: an everyday Ferrari.

The old California came in for a bit of stick for its slightly awkward proportions so the T tightens things up a bit all around. It’s neater and sharper, looking a little like an F12-lite if you squint a bit. The formula for the new one is the same, though; folding hard-top roof, 2+2 seating and, ultimately, supercar looks.

The Ferrari image splits opinion, but the California T seems to garner much less irritation on the road than some of its more expensive compatriots; which is a good thing unless you believe that all attention is good attention.

With the V8 engine mounted as low and far back as possible under the bonnet for better weight distribution, there’s a decent boot at the back.

As in most convertibles, there’s a cover to click into place before the electric roof will retract, and of course that restricts top-down luggage space.

It’s hardly a family car and the rear seats are hopelessly lacking in legroom until you slide the fronts forward. On the other hand, it can be surprisingly economical for a Ferrari. A good cruising range of comfortably more than 400 miles comes courtesy of a tall top gear and a reluctance to kick down ratios, and it’s a key feature in this car.

The engine is perfect for the car. Just two driving modes give you Comfort and Sport, but the depth of abilities you can plumb in both is deeply impressive.

It rides nicely in Comfort mode but it’s also stable at high speeds and settles into a natural rhythm.

In Sport mode, you can drive with anything from a mild interest to a full-blown psychosis and the car responds with thrills – and safety. It will cough up characterful snaps and crackles from the exhaust if you’re brutal enough.

A slightly rearward handling balance is tempered by very active stability control that reins the power in even before the rear wheels start to push sideways. It’s like a giant hand holding you back on corner exits until you turn the nannies off, but when you do, the chassis comes alive well beyond its previous state.

It would cost you in excess of €250,000 or so before options to get a new one over to Malta from the UK. Not exactly cheap but it’s not bad for a brand new Ferrari that you can use every day and that comes with a seven-year warranty alongside a load of other perks.

At a glance

Top speed
196mph

0-100km
3.8 seconds

Economy
26.9mpg combined

Engine
3.9-litre Turbo V8 petrol

Power
552bhp

Maximum torque
557lb/ft

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