Top down in the new Ferrari California

What is it?

Ferrari describes its new California as its 'completion' model, a car that adds some breadth to the entry-point to the Ferrari line-up. What it isn't is the much rumoured 'baby' Ferrari, the California costing £143,000 - which is mid-way between the prices of the F430 coupé and Spider. That's apt really as the California is both, its folding hardtop giving it the ability to change from a rousing wind-in-the-hair roadster to a refined grand touring coupé in just 14 seconds. Some feared that Ferrari entering the same marketplace as high-end Mercedes SLs and drop top examples of Bentley's Continental GT and Aston Martin's DB9 would see some dilution of its sporting DNA, but the California has very much retained the prancing horse's sporting genes.

This is achieved thanks to a number of new technologies from Maranello. The first - and certain not to be the last - Ferrari to feature a seven-speed, twin-clutch, paddle-shift transmission, the California also comes with multi-link rear suspension, a direct-injection version of Ferrari's V8 engine, a fast and light folding aluminium roof and is the first ever production Ferrari to be powered by a V8 mounted in front of the driver.

Is it any good?

Any doubts that Ferrari might be trying to spread the California's appeal too far are seriously undermined the first time you thread it down a challenging, twisty stretch of road. The California is a revelation, beautifully blending sports car poise and precision with GT levels of ride comfort and refinement. The engine pulls very strongly indeed, its 454bhp allowing it to reach 62mph in under four seconds. It's not so refined to have you forget this is a Ferrari; the soundtrack it provides is more mellow and cultured than that from the screaming F430, but some of its mid-engined metallic wailing menace is retained when exercising the 4.3-litre V8 up near its 8,000rpm red line.

Two things really stand out: the ride comfort and the new seven-speed transmission. Fitted with optional magnetic dampers (a £3,132 must-have), the California smothers bumps and ripples very well. Its body control is excellent; the California barely rolls in the bends despite its impressive ability to suppress bumps. The seven-speed transmission is a revelation for those used to Ferrari's F1 paddle-shifter. Unlike the F1 system there's effectively no gap between shifts, making for seamless changes, though Ferrari has managed to give real physicality to the shift quality without ruining the key benefits of the double-clutch layout. Where it is unrecognisable over the robotised manual F1 alternative is its ability as an automatic. Here it shifts imperceptibly - only the engine note's change signalling a new ratio selection.

The California's steering is light yet precise, but a bit more information from the steering wheel's rim would help you exploit the California's ability even further. Similarly, the brakes require a big shove before the carbon ceramic discs work their stopping magic. Ferrari's aim to provide a car that's everything to everybody is demonstrated in its Manettino controller on the steering wheel. It affects the traction and stability controls and only three settings are offered compared to the four of the F430. Comfort mode lets you enjoy the California safe in the knowledge that all the systems are looking out for you all the time. Sport enables you to push to and beyond the limits of grip but keeps things in check should you get carried away, while 'CST off' sees the California unhindered by any electronic traction and stability intervention.

Choose that CST off mode and you'll not require brave pills, as the California exhibits a friendliness at and beyond its limits that's extraordinary. The Italian firm wanted this to be a car everyone could enjoy, and its phenomenal poise at every level means even those used to the sharper, rawer F430 won't find the California lacking.

Should I call the bank manager?

Starting at £143,000 and costing in reality as much as tens of thousands more, buying a California might result in you having to have a word with your bank manager. It's not difficult to understand how you could go daft with the options list, especially when you see items such as the beautiful leather luggage that's tailored to fit perfectly into the California's surprisingly spacious boot. That boot, and the folding hardtop, might make this among the most practical of Ferraris, but it does result in some design compromises. The California has a big rear end, the effect softened slightly by the bold (and controversial) feature line adorning its flanks.

Fuel economy of 21.6mpg might not sound too impressive until you consider the California's bulk and performance - even so you'll struggle to get near the official figure. It was never going to be in anything less than the top tax category for CO₂ emissions, but 305g/km is certainly a step in the right direction for Ferrari.

Summary

Ferrari really has managed to pull off something pretty spectacular with the new California. It's a car that anyone can enjoy, be it a first time Ferrari customer or a prancing horse fanatic with a garage full of red cars. The styling takes time to get used to - some of the detailing is a bit over the top for a car that's aimed at a more conservative customer - and the rear 'seats' are so useless you wonder why Ferrari bothered. The interior is Ferrari's best though, with some real flair; which makes it a shame Ferrari's touch-screen infotainment system is the same as you'll find in a Chrysler. Small complaints then on a hugely impressive new car. Indeed, the Ferrari California doesn't just complement its V8 F430 relative in the line-up, but in many ways betters it.

Kyle Fortune