ALMOST every motorist will agree there is something very exhilarating about driving along on a warm summer's day with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. There is a sense of freedom and fun that you just cannot get in a tin top.
Road Tested by Hugh Maguire
However, for those lucky enough to be able to live with the limitations of a two-seater there are now many enticing roadster models to choose from and they are not all hugely expensive cars. In the upper premium roadster segment cars such as the superb Honda S2000, the Porsche Boxster and the subject of this week's review the BMW Z4 spring to mind.
BMW have just launched a new Z4 roadster and the big news is that the canvas retractable hood is gone to be replaced by a folding hard-top, giving the very best of both worlds, a hard roof but open top motoring at the push of a button.
So with a bold new shape, a host of new technologies not least of which is the new folding hard top what is the new Z4 really like and can it now really defeat its nearest rival the superb Porsche Boxster?
First Impressions
The styling is excellent, this car looks really good though some observers felt the rear looked too cut-off. The long bonnet and short tail section give it a real presence on the road. The new hard top roof adds to its appeal and overall I would have to give the new Z4 top marks in the styling department.
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See Also
A recession-busting BMW is here. The new BMW 116 diesel_____________________________
Behind The wheel
The cabin is typical of BMW's current trend for the minimalist look. The driver is confronted with two large instruments, a speedo and rev counter, the latter housing a small fuel gauge and water temp gauge. The fit and finish is beyond reproach and the driving position is excellent, you sit low down feeling very much a part of the car. Leg and headroom for two is ample.
Standard equipment on all models includes, front and side airbags, ABS, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DSC, on-board computer, a roll-over safety system, run-flat tyres, automatic air conditioning, electric folding hard-top, electric windows, remote locking and immobiliser, alloy wheels and a CD player. Naturally there are a host of options so consult your dealer for more detailed specifications.
Performance
There are three power units available in the new S-Drive range, a 24i, a 30i and a 35i, which somewhat confusingly does not mean a 2.4 litre, a 3.0 litre and a 3.5 litre. My test car was the 35i which is a 3.0 litre twin turbo. Power delivery is seamless throughout the rev range and there is huge amounts of mid-range punch which makes for safe and easy overtaking. The stats read pretty well, 0 to 100 kph in just 5.2 seconds and onto a limited top speed of around 250kph. With some 306 bhp on tap going through the rear wheels this car is set up for a really entertaining driving experience. Overall fuel consumption was 10.1 litre per 100km.
