New BMW Z4 Roadster offers the best of both worlds
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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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.
Road Behaviour
The new Z4 has in some ways changed its character. It has piled on the pounds gaining considerable weight, it is now more of a grand tourer than out and out sports car and this is reflected in the way it drives. It's less raw and to be honest less fun, moving it further and further away from the Porsche Boxster and closer say to a Mercedes SLK.
Push this car hard in a corner and understeer will prevail, it may have, according to BMW, a 50/50 weight distribution but it does not feel that way. The other small downside is the run-flat tyres which, though I fully appreciate their benefits, both from a safety and space saving perspective, they do result in transmitting a lot of the road imperfections into the cabin via their hard sidewalls.
All of this results in a firm ride but you soon get used to it. Don't get me wrong here the handling is very good, with tremendous grip through the corners but it is not really as rewarding as a car like this should be and furthermore, the power steering lacks feel which is a pity in what is, after all, meant to be an all out driver's car.
When the sun does shine the electric and fully automatic folding hard drops away in about 20 seconds but you do have to be stopped to perform this function unlike the Porsche. Be aware also that with the roof folded boot space is almost non existent!
However with the top down the car looks even more dramatic and even without the optional wind deflector you should not end up having a bad hair day!
Verdict
So how does the new Z4 shape up to its rivals. I would have it over a Mercedes SLK, but it is no rival for the Porsche. That said with superb performance, road tax at r1,050 per year due to its relatively good emission level of 219g/km and with prices starting at €51,200 for the 24i rising to €70,274 for the 35i auto tested, this car is well worth a look if you fancy some wind in the hair motoring without the downsides.
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Weather for Tullamore
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
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