BMW has just re-launched its ?modern and authentic? Z4 Roadster and following a couple of days driving the sleek newcomer on the torturous twisties in the mountains overlooking Alicante on the Spanish Riviera, we head home most impressed with the latest hairdresser?s BMW?

The first BMW Roadster to feature a retractable hardtop, the latest Z4 replaces both the previous Z4 Roadster and Coupe all at once and while immediately recognisable as a BMW roadster, the latest Z4 certainly has grown up in so many ways.

Designed by a couple of ladies who shared the inside and outside look and feel of the car, the new one is far softer, far less imposing than the ugly, angular Bangle mess of the previous machine and certainly heads more toward 6-Series. Which makes us wonder what will keep the hardcore BMW M nut happy in future ? there is no Z4 M planned as BMW wants to emphasise that this is more a granturismo than a hairy racer?

The party trick

The party trick is without doubt that two-piece electro-hydraulically retractable lightweight aluminium hardtop that opens and closes fully automatically within 20 seconds; and a stunning cabin ahead.

You'd have picked up that driving comfort is the new Z4 mantra and besides the sumptuous look of that cabin, there?s increased head and elbow room while, according to marketing materials, "it possesses a degree of comfort that has been significantly enhanced over the former model, while retaining a low seating position near the rear axle "to guarantee the driving experience typical of a BMW Roadster".

There?s also a cool new latest-gen BMW iDrive complete with folding high-resolution 8.8-inch screen in there featuring BMW?s newest enhanced navigation system with the yet to be SA-approved optional unrestricted internet set-up.

Z4 is more practical, too, with a wide range of storage aspects including a generous compartment behind the seats with an optional through-loading package and a bag for bulky baggage items like skis or a golf bag. Don?t think a motocross bike would fit, though, although I don?t reckon it would be a problem to tow that or your skiboat?

Best for last

This time we?ve left the best for last. Z4 comes in the choice of three EfficientDynamics six-cylinder engines (what else?) boasting variable BMW Valvetronic engine valve management, high precision direct petrol injection, brake energy regeneration (what they call KERS in F1-speak), on-demand ancillary management and featuring a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase to fulfil future EU 5 emission standards without compromising performance in any way?

> See page 2 for our driving impressions