New Z4 gets hard-top

Jan 19 2009 Peter Hayward

BMW's next Z4 sportster follows the security route of what must now be the majority of open cars with a folding hard top rather than the traditional fabric roof.

There will be just three six cylinder powerplants at launch, each with improved economy and beating the latest emissions standards.

Top of the range will be the International Engine of the Year 2008 - a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit producing 306bhp.

This 'sDrive35i' powers its way to 62mph in a brisk 5.2 seconds yet still records a combined economy of 30.1mpg.

Also available will be 23i and 30i models, both using the same alloy engine with all the latest technology but with different capacities.

The two-piece roof folds up or down in about 20 seconds and, with it up, there's said to be enough space in the boot for a set of golf clubs.

The new roadster is first to have the option of Adaptive M Suspension which includes electronically controlled dampers with three settings.

Interior

The new model is bigger than the old, giving more interior space with the bigger boot.

There's storage space behind the seats giving a useful 15.5 litres of space the old car does not have and a through-loading system is available as an extra.

FAST FACTS

BMW Z4 35i

Price : £38,000

Mechanical : 306bhp, 2,979cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 155mph

0-62mph : 5.2 secs

Combined mpg : 30.1

Insurance group : 19

CO2 emissions : N/A

BiK rating : N/A

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 6yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Mercedes SLK