You'd be loitering at a friend's house and someone will surely ask you something along the lines of: "Look man, I know you work with cars, which model could you recommend for so and so, this and that."

At times I do oblige but mostly it really is a mood killer for a weekend, party or a chill session.

Knowing well that it's the time of shindigs, allow me, then, to answer in advance, more especially the ladies who'll be asking: "I want a sexy convertible that will suit my femininity. Should I buy a Z4, SLK, or TT?"

Sure, any of those is fine but because you are searching for adorable looks instead of face-warping performance, may I suggest the Mazda MX-5. This little roadster may not be the automatic choice for the brand conscious sister covered in ZARA cloth and perched on Christian Louboutin stilettos, but it is among the finest of the genre.

The MX-5 is the world's all-time best-selling roadster, steadily approaching one million sales.

The appeal of this car is that it is a sensible choice and, with the current version, you can add arresting, modern looks. It's truly the most approachable open-topped car, offering top-notch security and comfort features such as traction control, vehicle stability programme, air-conditioning, remote steering buttons, a fair sound system, keyless start and entry, and more.

You will enjoy all of these sitting on comfy chairs and you will really feel that you have arrived.

A roadster's appeal is slightly different from that of a cabriolet. Being a strictly for two car, it exudes the appearance of classic wealth, driving pleasure and a wild streak.

The current model is available with two roof mechanisms - a cloth cover which unfortunately for those among us who have extra long, expensively manicured nails, has to be operated manually, or an RC (Roadster Coupé) version which takes on a more familiar electrically folded metal roof.

I'd suggest the clothed version, simply because the roof is very light and easy to operate. Being lighter also does wonders for performance, which will be sharp and alive.

A single engine is on offer - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that develops 118kW and 188Nm.

It's enough for this size of car and the power is transferred to the rear wheels via a sweetly changing six-speed manual gearbox.

It's an approachable roadster but, if the above doesn't add up to what you want, try the German brands. There you will find higher prices for the car, for fuel and for maintenance.

Mazda MX-5 prices range between R160000 and R300000.