motoring Motoring ROAD TEST S BY AWARD WINNING MOTOR JOURNALIST NI CK FLETCHER
Experienced and award winning motoring journalist, Nick Fletcher,
helps us choose the best of the latest cars available.
BMW Z4
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 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 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
composed and 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, with a premium
IT IS EAGER, VERY RESPONSIVE, UTTERLY ASSURED AND, FOR
THIS TYPE OF CAR, REMARKABLY COMFORTABLE...
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
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
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.
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