The BMW Z4 is the German manufacturer's first attempt at designing a car with a folding metal roof. Previously the company has always gone with the standard hard top with the option being a soft top canvas fold back roof.

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The clever folding roof is easily operational and takes just 20 seconds to completely disappear or re-appear, although the vehicle does have to be at a complete stop before the roof function is operational.

BMW have made it clear from the outset they want to maintain the roadster attributes by building the Z4 with a long and low-slung engine compartment lid, short overhangs, the long wheelbase and large wheels as well as the low seating position near the rear axle. All this adds to the feel that although the car is convertible its heritage of being sporty is not lost with it.

Instantly a ruckus

At first glimpse of the new Z4 in Cape Town Airport there was instantly a ruckus and divided opinion among the motoring media around the looks and character of the car. We frantically strutted around the vehicle, studying it from all angles and peering stupidly through our hands to come to terms with what the two female designers had delivered us.

Firstly the breeding is definitely visible; the back has traces of the Six Series but in a softer, rounder form. From head on one would be forgiven as well for seeing an old Eight Series in the lines and pointedness of the bonnet. However I think the tail of the car looks too similar to a Porsche Boxster and with the top up you could be mistaken for having stolen the Jetsons' space bubble.

Behind the wheel

On offer to us were two variations of the Z4, namely the 190kW 3.0-litre model and the range topping 225kW 3.0-litre twin turbo from the 135i and the 335i.

Our first test was in the smaller non turboed version which, from what I saw, will be most used as an urban cruiser. The chassis is fantastic, it turns with great poise as every BMW does, and is very driver-focused. What failed to inspire though was the engine. It lacks enthusiasm and playfulness, and although the acceleration stats on the car are very decent, it just doesn't engage the 'let's play' senses. This is why I say this will be the cruiser model of the range.

BMW will offer you a smaller derivative than the 3.0-litre in the form of a 150kW 2.5-litre six, but this was not available for test so we'll have to update you on that as the time comes.

Top of the range

The cream of the range is the top model, the twin turbo motor which has just won engine of the year again, and that is where the Z4 really showed us the fun factor BMW have stored in this car.

The exhaust note becomes deeper and rougher as the revs pick up, purely for ear-gasmic pleasure. The tail of the vehicle comes alive with the upgraded power, friskily asking you to play with the sports button settings, urging you to move from Normal, to Sport and to Sport +, which brings on the traction control 'off' light and hardening up the suspension for a firmer, more track-driven ride.

If you're going to buy the big daddy of the range, I would suggest either driving fast with the roof up, or short bursts with the roof down. The wind does start to buffet inside the cabin as the speedo ups towards the legal national limit.

BMW have also given the an option for the seven speed double clutch gear change system that is the crispest and sharpest paddle gearbox around. There's no hanging around for the gearbox to shift down — it's instant and for the first time I'm happy to say, as much fun as a manual.

This car will always sell because it's a BMW but it does have good reason to as well, especially in the top end department, I see the entry model being the "I had to have one" option for the posers and people who adore the styling.

The mid-range model fits somewhere in the middle between enthusiast and hairdresser but I'm not sure which side it leans to more.

Whereas the top end is the benchmark model, brilliant fun that makes the journey memorable.

Prices:
sDrive 23i: R506 500
sDrive 30i: R583 500
sDrive 35i: R682 500

Option that'll cost you:
Seven-speed automatic transmission with double clutch (only available on s35i): R28 700

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