With spring absent this year, there’s no better car than the Astra TwinTop to deal with a mix of weather conditions, be they sub-zero or near-Sahara.  And now there are two new models, the Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP, bringing added style and panache to the four-seater convertible range. As with all TwinTops, they feature a three-piece electro-hydraulic roof which can be raised and lowered in less than 30 seconds – even while the car’s moving at up to 18mph.

In addition to the TwinTop Exclusiv (which replaces the Exclusiv Black edition), the Exclusiv XP model  gains the stunning VXR Styling Pack as standard, with a body-coloured lower front spoiler, rear lower skirt, lip spoiler and side sills. And for the first time, the TwinTop Exclusiv – along with the Exclusive XP – can be specified in two new colours, Star Silver and Panacotta, as well as the existing Power Red and Black Sapphire body colours.

As with all TwinTops, specification for the Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP models is generous, with unique 18” alloy wheels, heated leather front seats and keyless entry standard on both models. Also included are heated power mirrors, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel and Sport switch, which quickens throttle and steering response, while allowing sportier gearchanges on automatic models.

Both models come with the choice of lusty 1.8VVT (140PS) and 2.0-litre Turbo (200PS) petrol engines, along with the frugal but powerful 1.9CDTi (150PS) diesel engine.

Prices start at £19,295 for the manual 1.8VVT Exclusive, with the 1.9CDTi costing £21,265. The same engine choices for the Exclusiv XP cost £19,995 and £21,965 respectively.  A 1.8VVT engine with automatic transmission is also available on both models at an additional cost of £1035.