Having to decide on a roadster is a nice problem to have- but it can leave buyers in a world of compromise. A two-seat drop-top is one of the least sensible modes of four-wheeled transportation around- though some are easier to live with than others.
Chiseled
The BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 model back in 2002, offering a stiff chassis, powerful engine lineup and great looks.
Styling is sharp, with panels positioned to randomly intersect the Z4's various edges and planes. The Z3's side-vents are gone, replaced with round turn-signal indicators bisected by a propeller-like slash on each side. This oddity is a shout-back to BMW's history in aviation and open-air motoring.
The rear end leaves fellow motorists to check out the slightly recessed taillamps, a mildly raised trunk-lid and dual-outlet exhaust. It's a highly attractive machine from any angle- though some commented on the odd shape of the fascia. One person at a gas station even said it looked like a catfish. Probably an S2000 owner.
Easy to live with?
Despite as hardcore a roadster experience as most, BMW's made the Z4 a reasonably easy car to live with on a daily basis.
First surprise? Check out the trunk. Unlike the S2000 and MX5, Z4 could comfortably accept a weekends worth of gear for a two person top-down getaway. From its home country, only the Audi TT roadster seems to have a bigger boot. The position of Z4's roof doesn't affect the trunk capacity either.
Up front, storage is adequate by roadster standards and controls are easy to reach and mainly intuitive. Entry and exit proved tight at best for this writer, though the interior was little more than comfortably snug once settled in.
The only disappointment inside were the flimsy, spring-loaded cup holders. They hide away when not in use, but they provide little confidence that you're double-double won't wind up all over your lap if you hit a good bump.
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| The BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 model back in 2002. |
Chiseled
The BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 model back in 2002, offering a stiff chassis, powerful engine lineup and great looks.
Styling is sharp, with panels positioned to randomly intersect the Z4's various edges and planes. The Z3's side-vents are gone, replaced with round turn-signal indicators bisected by a propeller-like slash on each side. This oddity is a shout-back to BMW's history in aviation and open-air motoring.
The rear end leaves fellow motorists to check out the slightly recessed taillamps, a mildly raised trunk-lid and dual-outlet exhaust. It's a highly attractive machine from any angle- though some commented on the odd shape of the fascia. One person at a gas station even said it looked like a catfish. Probably an S2000 owner.
Easy to live with?
Despite as hardcore a roadster experience as most, BMW's made the Z4 a reasonably easy car to live with on a daily basis.
First surprise? Check out the trunk. Unlike the S2000 and MX5, Z4 could comfortably accept a weekends worth of gear for a two person top-down getaway. From its home country, only the Audi TT roadster seems to have a bigger boot. The position of Z4's roof doesn't affect the trunk capacity either.
Up front, storage is adequate by roadster standards and controls are easy to reach and mainly intuitive. Entry and exit proved tight at best for this writer, though the interior was little more than comfortably snug once settled in.
The only disappointment inside were the flimsy, spring-loaded cup holders. They hide away when not in use, but they provide little confidence that you're double-double won't wind up all over your lap if you hit a good bump.
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| The Z4's trunk can comfortably accept a weekends worth of gear for a two person top-down getaway. |