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So your
long lost uncle just left you a sizeable inheritance? You could
do worse than a BMW Z4.
Engine/transmission
You
can opt for either a 2.5-litre six-cylinder or the pokier 3-litre
version for another $10,000. The test car had the wonderful sounding,
ultra-smooth 2.5 six, mated to an excellent five-speed auto, which
could still accelerate the Z4 to 100 kmh in just over seven seconds.
The auto had the Steptronic, sequential mode which means you could
manually swap through the ratios if you felt the need. I only used
this option once.
Safety/brakes
To keep you on the road the Z4 is equipped with a full range of
driver aids - dynamic and automatic stability control and traction/cornering
and braking control. I certainly could not fault the ABS-equipped
ventilated discs.
Comfort/goodies
The leather seats were comfortable, but lacked lateral support.
However, the driving position was superb, with all the controls
quickly to hand. You expect a sports car to have firm suspension
and the Z4 is no exception, which obviously contributed to the excellent
road holding. The soft top was the best I have experienced in a
sports car. Not only could it be raised and lowered in about 10
seconds, the insulation provided "sedan-like" quietness.
The test car was equipped with GPS, but it was not as intuitive
as others I have tested.
Economy
For my 800km test, according to the computer, the Z4 averaged 10.5
litres per 100km, which I thought was pretty reasonable. In cruise
control at 100 km/h, the computer showed a consumption of 6.5 litres
per 100km.
Summary
The Z4 is really a boulevard cruiser that can be pushed when required.
It carries out this role superbly. Hustling on the limit is not
its forte. I found I was most comfortable listening to the sweet
six burbling away, letting the five-speed auto take control and
enjoying the pleasures of soft top motoring in beautiful autumn
sunshine.
Negatives
The American-built Z4 is not a cheap car. The base price for the
manual 2.5-litre model is $78,500. But a fully equipped 3-litre
model would take the cost to more than $100,000. For example, the
BMW navigation system and on board monitor with TV costs an extra
$5700. I also think the suspension is a little hard for its intended
function.
Model
- BMW Z4
2.5 litre automatic - $81,100
3.0 litre manual - $92,000
Fuel economy - 10.5 litres per 100km
Navigation system - $5700
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