I.N.T.E.R.I.O.R. & E.X.T.E.R.I.O.R. + Inside, the fascia design is quite otherwise from non-Z BMWs - a differentiating point in its favour, I think - with metal-effect trim sweeping across the fascia as well as featuring on the centre console and the steering wheel spokes. + The cockpit is roomier than in the (whatever the previous roadster was called) and there's a hinge- down stowage box between the seats. + The hood is a masterpiece of design. Very craftily, BMW has made the front part of it from more solid material than the rest. + With that solid front section plus lightweight magnesium and aluminium supports, the hood fits very snugly, although BMW will have an optional hardtop available in time for the winter. + Hood-down the Z4 is genuinely a bit of a breeze, because the wind deflector behind the seats isn't as effective at deflecting the wind as some others. + The boot capacity is much bigger than it would seem from the outside, partly because there's no spare wheel, this being one of the cars with run-flat (for a while) tyres. As well as that, though, there's a variable amount of load space according to whether the hood is raised or furled. E.N.G.I.N.E. &. T.R.A.N.S.M.I.S.S.I.O.N. + A 192bhp engine which takes it from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds and on to a maximum of 146mph. With the 231bhp 3.0i at ?0,855, you're getting into really serious performance territory. It can do the 0- 62mph sprint in 5.9 seconds and hit the familiar German governed top speed of 155mph. + The 2.5-litre has a five-speed manual box as standard, while the three-litre gets a six. Optional transmissions are a five-speed Steptronic automatic and a six-speed sequential manual change. S.U.S.P.E.N.S.I.O.N., W.H.E.E.L.S., &. T.I.R.E.S. + Very well balanced, with that familiar BMW combination of close to 50/50 weight distribution and rear wheel drive, the two versions of the Z4 get the power down with no fuss. + The three-litre is obviously the more formidable performer, but on "real" roads as in the Grampians, where ultimate top-end speed isn't an issue, the 2.5 was satisfactorily nimble and controlled.