MOTORING MOTORING
Two-seater convertibles are an evocative symbol of summer and one of the most eye-catching of the current crop is the BMW Z4. It is cheaper than its main rivals, the Audi TT Roadster and Porsche Boxster, and in my view is more visually striking. The entry level 18i Z4
BMW Z4
is priced at £27,740 and is powered by a 2.0 litre engine offering 154 hp. There are also 181 hp and 242 hp versions of this engine and if you want even more performance, there are bigger, six- cylinder engines available too. The featured test model is the entry
ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OUR MOTORING COLUMN, BY THE EXPERIENCED AND AWARD WINNING MOTORING JOURNALIST NICK FLETCHER HELPS OUR READERS CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE LATEST CARS.
with excellent steering feedback. Ride comfort is very good for a car in this sector, for while the suspension is firm, it is still sufficiently supple to iron out poorer road surfaces. The cabin looks terrific,
IT IS EAGER, VERY RESPONSIVE, UTTERLY ASSURED AND, FOR
THIS TYPE OF CAR, REMARKABLY COMFORTABLE...
version, which has a quick 0-60mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph. Fuel economy is more acceptable than you may think - 41 mpg combined. Zestful performance makes this model a delight to drive.
It is eager, very responsive, utterly assured and, for this type of car, remarkably comfortable, with a great driving position and excellent supportive seats. All Z4s come with Dynamic Drive Control which allows you to tailor the throttle, steering and stability control to your own requirements. The handling is superb, very grippy and composed and
The Renault Clio has been a very popular hatchback for some years and the latest version is likely to boost sales even more thanks to its sleek shape and improved build quality.
RENAULT CLIO
with a premium ambiance, top quality materials and a driver-focussed dashboard layout. There is adequate stowage for day to day items and the boot is a decent size if you don’t lower the metal roof - capacity is much less if
you do as the roof panel swallows up a lot of loadspace. Mind you, there is still just enough for two overnight bags if you travel light! The smooth-operating powered roof lowers and raises in just 19 seconds,
so you won’t get caught out by a sudden change in the weather. Standard equipment on this entry level version is short of generous, but does include manual air-conditioning, alloy wheels, front, side and curtain airbags, DAB radio and Bluetooth. Overall, the Z4 impresses with its elegant yet still potent-
looking styling, its flawless build quality and its outstanding driving dynamics.
The Clio drives well with a forgiving ride, crisp assured handling and the lively 1.5 litre diesel engine (there is a petrol option) is zesty and flexible with the power delivery. It also provides exceptionally good fuel economy - the official figure is 78.5 mpg combined. What’s more, its emissions figure is just 90g/km meaning no road tax to pay. The featured Clio - Dynamique S MediaNav ENERGY
dCi 90 - costs £16,595 is midway up the Clio price ladder (which ranges from £11,000 to £20,000) and comes with an impressive level of kit. Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, and an
upgraded sound system with Bluetooth and cruise control, electric windows, a USB port, Hill Start Assist and keyless entry and ignition. You also get an infotainment touch- screen. Safety features include six airbags and anti-whiplash headrests. The trend these days is to tailor the look of your car to
105
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164