Dramatic electric roadster bolsters MG's street cred

The Cyberster is a two-seater convertible that mixes brawn and beauty as well as value and efficiency

- Christopher Tan

The evening air is uncharacteristically crisp, cooled by a prolonged downpour in the afternoon. And I have just the car for a night like this - the MG Cyberster.

The kookily named Cyberster is an electric two-seater convertible which sports classic roadster lines. A long front section with a chiselled bonnet flanked by elegant headlights, and windswept flanks which taper rearwards to culminate in a pert rear. The boot lid bulges prominently, and is punctuated by a subtle spoiler.

From the rear, it looks like something Alfa Romeo might have designed in its heyday.

There is more visual drama. Touch a button and the car's scissor door opens automatically, with a sensor ensuring there is sufficient room. Press another button, and the door closes silently.

The canvas top flips up and folds neatly and swiftly away at the touch of yet another button. Activate Drive, and the car moves off noiselessly. Soon, the cool wind is in your face and hair. In fact, it is so cool that you do not even need the air-conditioning.

Driving a convertible when the weather is cooperating is such a rare treat. The sensation is like riding a motorcycle without a helmet. It is a long-forgotten pleasure, as it has been a while since anyone has launched a convertible, much less a soft-top two-seater.