Aimed at opening up new markets (read, selling to women), California has a tough balancing act to carry out. On one hand, it has to appear softer, more approachable than the usual Ferraris, without alienating the existing customer base. The end result is one Ferrari that is not immediately attractive. The front end is classically proportioned, though the rear looks a little bulky. As is often the case for Ferraris, the styling tends to grow on you. California should be no different. In a departure from the Ferrari norm, the rear end features a multi-link arrangement for better comfort. But how does it handle? For starters, California is a proper Ferrari—a sports car with wonderful balance, precise steering and endless grip. To cater for its intended audience, the setup is very soft, with body roll during turn-in and dive under braking. It makes for easy, relaxing driving. But the setup does less well when you up the tempo. Perhaps more crucially, California does not offer the driving fun or engagement expected of a Ferrari—the first time that can be said of a car from Maranello. By Ferrari standards, California is supremely comfortable, making it a Ferrari you can drive everyday. Cruising refinement is good, with most noises kept in the background. That said, the V8 will still bellow in familiar Ferrari-style if you so desire. Wind buffeting is minimal with the roof down. A multi-adjustable driver's seat and two-way adjustable steering column allow most to find a comfortable driving position. All-round visibility is good for a Ferrari, and controls are optimally placed, too. The analogue speedometer is hard to read, however. Like all Ferraris, the cabin is meticulously constructed from the finest of materials, possessing an air of class we have come to expect in a Ferrari. Being largely hand-built means the fit-and-finish received tremendous attention to details, although some of the plastics on smaller switches could be better. Considering Ferrari's positive reliability record, California's electronics and mechanicals should be trouble-free, as long as it is properly and regularly maintained. California's drivetrain consists of Ferrari’s first engine with direct fuel injection, mated to Ferrari's first double-clutch automated manual gearbox. On the roads, the 4.3-litre V8 is extremely well-matched by the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, together delivering the driveability, smoothness and pace you expect from a Ferrari. Even more impressive is how the V8 is so powerful, and yet relatively frugal and clean. The gear shifts in automatic mode are silky smooth, too. Completing the package are the standard ceramic brakes, which are strong and resistant to fade. Although not the first Ferrari to feature a removable hard-top, California is the first to come with a fully retractable metal roof that electrically folds into its boot. The cabin can either be specified as a two-plus-two or as a two-seater with luggage space, with the option to switch after buying. The front two gets good head- and leg-room, but in 2+2 configuration, the rear seats are strictly for kids. The 340-litre boot with through-loading function is excellent by supercar standards, and even after the folding of the two-piece metal roof (in 14 seconds), there is still 240 litres left. Supercars are expensive to run, and California is little different. Fuel economy of 7.6 km/litre is better than what other Ferraris can manage, although serving will be frequent and costly. Of all supercars, Ferraris usually boast the best residual values thanks to the famous and desirable Prancing Horse badge. Furthermore, California has newness and demand (three-year waiting list) on its side, which should contribute to even stronger values. Broadening the customer base without diluting brand appeal is so hard to do. Many automakers have tried and failed. But Ferrari has succeeded with California—a new-age Ferrari designed to be more usable as everyday transport, more frugal and cleaner to run, and more appealing to more people (read women). Wonderful handling, comfortable and refined, effortless on the roads, and practical by supercar standards, California does it all. It is not as engaging to drive as we would like, but from the long waiting list, most buyers do not seem to mind. In addition to the fully retractable hard-top, the standard equipments include alloy wheels, climate control, leather upholstery, a premium audio system and everything electric-adjustable. You can personalise the car however you want by ticking the long (expensive) option list. Safety kit includes four airbags, carbon ceramic brakes, and Formula One-derived traction and stability electronic aids. Ferrari's first attempt at implementing direct injection and dual-clutch system has yielded good results, pointing to the direction Ferrari and other supercar automakers will be taking in the future. The 7.6 km/litre fuel economy and 305 grams/km carbon dioxide emissions may appear bad by normal standards, but such figures make California one of the “greenest” supercar.