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BMW Z4 ROADSTER sDrive 20i M Sport 2dr Auto

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Key Features

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Android auto
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Climate control
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Leather seats
parking-aid
Parking aid
sat-nav
Sat nav

The classical Roadster. This, apparently, is what we have here in the form of the third generation version of BMW's Z4. Jonathan Crouch drives the four cylinder 20i version.

Ten Second Review

BMW knows a thing or two about roadsters and this third generation Z4 is one of its best. It may not be the sharpest car in its class to drive but on the right day, in the right mood on the right road, you may not care. The engines are efficient and willing, the looks are stunning and the feeling you get behind the wheel still makes you feel twenty years younger. This, it seems, is a Z that might be very hard to catch. Let's try the base four cylinder 20i version.

Background

Ah yes, the Z4; the model that some said wasn't quite a true BMW sports car in its previous pre-2018-era 'E89'-series form. The head of the company's performance 'M' division didn't think that old MK2 model was quite dynamic enough to get a full 'M' status. Some say it isn't quite a true BMW sports car in this MK3 'G29'-series guise either, but usually for a different reason - the fact that it's shared its development with a Toyota (the GR Supra). We might also mention the fact that it isn't even built by BMW, the Munich maker having farmed production out to Magna Steyr in Austria. Lots of issues then. Affordable modern-era BMW roadster models have always faced them. This time though, with this 'G29'-series model, there are grounds for believing that this Z4 could actually give us the really serious driver's experience its predecessors struggled to deliver. It's grippier, has a lower centre of gravity, a considerably wider track and, because the MK2 model's heavy old metal folding roof has been dispensed with, there's also the promise of perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Let's put this MK3 model Z4 to the test in base four cylinder 20i form.

Driving Experience

Sporting BMWs may have been inseparably associated with six cylinder engines down the years but the key powerplant on offer in this 'G29'-series Z4 line-up squirts fuel into the quartet of cylinders boasted by a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre unit that's now only offered in one state of tune. It's the 197hp 20i M Sport variant that I tried - the alternative 258hp 30i version is no longer offered. Like the top six cylinder Z4 M40i, the 20i comes only with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto gearbox with gearshift paddles. Rest to 62mph in the '20i' takes 6.6s en route to 149mph. You're probably going to want to pay extra for adaptive damping. The way the suspension interacts with the steering, the throttle and the differential is key to the way this car responds dynamically, so proactive use of the provided drive modes is crucial if you're pressing on. Do that and you'll find that this car lacks the razor-sharp steering responses of a rival Porsche 718 Boxster but the helm is quick and accurate, which in combination with superb front-end traction means that corners can be attacked with surprising confidence. Which is the kind of driving experience you'd want a proper roadster to be able to deliver. Is this one 'fun'? Well it can be - and that's a big step forward in Z4 development.

Design and Build

Brand loyalists will immediately recognise this as a BMW Z car - and it's not just down to the classic long-bonnet / short-roof format and the famous kidney badge on the grille. It's a shape certainly more arresting in reality than on the printed page, but one that you can't help feeling has been developed around its shared platform rather than with free-flowing stylistic expression. We should talk about the fabric roof, since that's a major change over the previous 'G89'-series Z4 with its metal folding top. It folds or erects in just ten seconds - the previous model's rather awkward display of metallic origami took almost twice as long to complete - and can be operated when travelling at speeds of up to 31mph. Inside, you get the nicest and classiest interior you'll find in any small roadster on sale; if anything, it's almost too sophisticated for what's supposed to be a back-to-basics sports car. Most of the fixtures and fittings are lifted from BMW's luxury saloons, including the 10.25-inch centre-dash and instrument binnacle screens that make up the Bavarian brand's sophisticated 'Live Cockpit Professional' package. Apart from that, what strikes you most is the roominess of this cabin, which is one of the things that makes this car feel so everyday-usable. Out back, there's a decently-sized 281-litre boot.

Market and Model

Take a long deep breath before looking at the asking price, which starts at around £42,500 for this four cylinder Z4 20i M Sport. Still, that figure does now include more equipment, notably with the 20i version the uprated 'M Sport' trim level you'd probably have wanted to stretch to anyway. that brings a smarter look and standard M Sport suspension. Plus 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design (with 19-inch rims optional); and, inside, Vernasca leather upholstery, which can be specified in Black, Ivory White, Cognac or Magma Red. There are three new exterior metallic colour choices - 'Thundernight', 'Portimao Blue' and 'Skyscraper Grey'. And the fabric soft-top will continue to be offered in Anthracite Silver effect as an alternative to the standard black. New to the options list is the 'M lights Shadow Line' styling pack, which can be ordered in conjunction with optional Adaptive LED Headlights. The headlights' dark inserts help imbue the front end of the car with a discreetly sporting aura. And they form a neatly judged composition with the car's 'M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim' which has extended elements. A host of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems come included: Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return, and the Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator. Among the drive assist items on the options list are the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning, crossing traffic warning, the Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assist Camera. Also available is the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects driving information onto the windscreen.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the stats. You're looking at up to 40.9mpg and up to 157g/km of CO2. This very creditable reading actually compares extremely well to the rival Audi TT Roadster, though the fairly small plastic fuel tank's relatively small size - 52-litres - rather disguises the fact. In theory, a touring range of up to around 500 miles is possible. Various 'EfficientDynamics' technologies are used to keep running costs in check. There's an engine 'Auto Start-Stop' system, as you would expect. And at highway speeds, the cruise control can seamlessly de-couple the engine from the transmission to reduce friction and consequently save fuel. Of course the driver will also need to do his or her part. The figures we've just quoted assume that the car is being run in the 'Drive Performance Control' system's most frugal 'ECO PRO' mode. In this setting, the air conditioning and power steering only work when required to save energy. Optimised aerodynamics obviously make a significant difference to economy too. BMW has developed what it calls 'Air Breathers' and 'Air Curtains', these devices respectively located behind and ahead of the front wheel arches, their purpose being to reduce turbulence - and therefore drag - in the area around the front wheels.

Summary

So what's been delivered here? A Porsche Boxster-beater? Not really. That might be what the magazines wanted but I'm not sure that likely owners are that bothered by such a comparison. This isn't the uncompromised driver's machine that its Porsche rival can be, but it gets close enough to that benchmark for many likely owners to start prioritising the lower pricing, nicer cabin and stronger standards of safety that you get with this Munich model. BMW has been building roadsters for over 80 years - and it shows with this third generation design, a car that's matured extremely well, slowly and methodically developing into an all-rounder that's tough to beat. It's annoying though, that you have to spend so much more to get the Adaptive M suspension we think this car really needs for the completion of its ride and handling package. What it all means is that though the Z4 might not be the first car you look at when choosing a sports roadster, look at it you must. It's now just too good not to.

Body Glass
Rain sensor
Heated windscreen washer jets
Fingertip control / anti-trap function on electric window
Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval
Green tinted heat protection glazing
Electric heated rear window
Brakes
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
Cornering brake control (CBC)
Dynamic brake control
Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
Brake energy regeneration
Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
Braking readiness
Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function
Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)
Dry braking
Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation
Carpets/Rugs
Front and rear velour floor mats
Chassis/Suspension
M sport suspension
Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode
Double joint spring
Driver Aids
Speed limiter
Variable sport steering
Active Guard
Driver Convenience
Pull away assistant
Driver Information
Tachometer
Oil temperature gauge
Fuel gauge
Run flat indicator
Instrument cluster
BMW Teleservices
Optimum shift indicator
Condition based service
Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system
Speedometer with mph readout
BMW ConnectedDrive online services
BMW Live Cockpit Professional with nav function/12.3" high resolution instrument +10.25" control display/Intelligent Voice Assist/2 USB/WiFi interface
iDrive touch controller with turn and press function
Language version English
Driving Mirrors
Exterior mirror housing finished in body colour
Embellishment Trims
Sensatec dashboard
Engine
High precision injection
Safety battery terminal clamp
Double VANOS
Fuel tank breather system
Entertainment
USB connection
DAB tuner
2x USB Type C ports in front centre console for charging and data transfer
2x USB Type C ports in rear centre console for charging
Exterior Body Features
Wind deflector
Tailgate release handle
Visible VIN plate
Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements
Model logo
Door sill strips
Lightweight engineering
Door sill finishers with M designation
Exhaust tailpipe - split left and right
Kidney grille in mesh design
Matt black window recess finisher
High gloss shadowline exterior trim
M Sport exterior styling
Rear boot
Exterior Lights
Reversing light
Welcome lighting
LED rear lights
LED Indicators
Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat
Follow me home headlight function
LED 3rd brake light
LED daytime driving lights
Two stage brake force display
Dynamic braking lights comprising activated hazard warning flashers
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Two zone automatic air conditioning
Microfilter and active carbon filter
Interior Features
Through load system
12V power point in luggage area
Front door armrests
Front centre armrest with 2 cupholders
Vernasca leather upholstery
12V power socket in front storage compartment
Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column
Battery in luggage compartment
Additional storage compartment - 4 lashing eyes, strap and storage net
3 spoke M sport leather multifunction steering wheel
BMW ID
Interior Lights
Illuminated glovebox
Luggage compartment light
Activation of interior lighting
Packs
Connected package professional - Z4
Interior and exterior mirror pack - Z4
Ambient lighting pack - Z4
M Aerodynamic pack - Z4
Safety
Warning triangle
Roll over protection
Two tone horn
Seat belt force limiter
Head airbags
Curtain airbags
Crash sensor
3 point front seat belts
BMW emergency call
Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash
Tyre pressure monitoring with three level warning strategy
Seat occupancy protection
Airbags - Front driver and passenger, front and side impact protection
Plastic fuel tank
Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
Seat belt stopper
Side airbags for driver and passenger
Seats
Front headrests
Driver and front passenger heated seats
Child seat ISOFIX attachments for passenger seat
M Sport seats for driver and passenger
Single front passenger seat
Security
Centre lock switch
Thatcham cat 1 remote alarm
Start/stop button with Comfort Go keyless engine start and auto Start/stop deactivation button
Electronic vehicle immobiliser
Closing system with central locking
Transmission
Electronic differential lock
Eight speed steptronic sport transmission, with gearshift paddles
Vanity Mirrors
Sunvisors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket
Wheels
Reduced rolling resistance tyres
Wheels - Alloy
18" Double spoke alloy wheels in bicolour ferric grey - style 798M
Wheels - Spare
Tool kit
Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE
CO2 (g/km): 139
Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
Noise Level dB(A): 68
CO: 0.1586
NOx: 0.0102
HC+NOx: N
Particles: 0.0001
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 225
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 159
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 140
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 157
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 161
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 223
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 227
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 159
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 162
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 140
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 142
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 155
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 158
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 164
WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 161
Emissions - Lifecycle
End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.5
In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 35.2
Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 44.9
Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 9.2
Engine and Drive Train
Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6
CC: 1998
Cylinders: 4
Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
Number of Valves: 16
Camshaft: DOHC
Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
Catalytic Convertor: No
Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
Gears: 8 SPEED
Engine Code: B48B20O1
Fuel Consumption - ICE
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0
EC Urban (mpg): 38.2
EC Extra Urban (mpg): 53.3
EC Combined (mpg): 46.3
WLTP - MPG - Low: 28.2
WLTP - MPG - Medium: 39.8
WLTP - MPG - High: 45.6
WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 40.4
WLTP - MPG - Comb: 39.8
WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 28.8
WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 28.2
WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 40.4
WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 39.8
WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 45.6
WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 45.6
WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 41.5
WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 40.4
WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 39.8
WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 38.7
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 10
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.1
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.2
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.1
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 9.8
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 10
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 7.1
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.2
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.2
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.8
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.1
WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.3
General
Coin Series: M Sport
Coin Description: i sDrive
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0
Special Edition: 0
Special Order: 0
Based On ID: N
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31E
Service Interval Mileage: 18000
Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 91
NCAP Safety Assist %: 76
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
Badge Power: 197
Badge Engine CC: 2.0
Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
AdBlue: 0
Generation Mark: 3
Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0
Performance
0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.6
Top Speed: 149
Engine Power - BHP: 197
Engine Power - PS: No
0 to 60 mph (secs): 0
Engine Power - KW: 145
Engine Power - RPM: 4500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 236
Engine Torque - NM: 320
Engine Torque - RPM: 1450
Engine Torque - MKG: 32.6
Test Cycles
Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
RDE Certification Level: RDE 2
Tyres
Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18
Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R18
Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 798M
Alloys?: No
Space Saver?: 0
Vehicle Dimensions
Length: 4324
Width: 1864
Wheelbase: 2470
Width (including mirrors): 2024
Height: 1304
Height (including roof rails): N
Weight and Capacities
Minimum Kerbweight: 1450
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1740
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 52
Max. Loading Weight: 290
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 281
No. of Seats: 2
Max. Roof Load: N
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Communication
Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging
Wi-Fi hotspot
Embellishment Trims
High gloss black interior trim
Mesh effect aluminium interior trim
Entertainment
Harman/Kardon loudspeaker system
Exterior Body Features
Metallic paint
Hoods
Soft top - Anthracite silver with opening/closing function up to 30mph
Interior Features
Heated steering wheel
Packs
Visibility package - Z4
Parking assistant pack - Z4
Comfort pack - Z4 20i
Driving assistant package - Z4
Paint - Metallic
Metallic - Portimao blue
Metallic - San Francisco red
Metallic - Skyscraper grey
Metallic - Thundernight
Metallic - Black sapphire
Metallic - San remo green
Paint - Solid
Solid - Alpine white
Seats
Four way electrically adjustable driver and front passenger lumbar support
Trim - Leather
Vernasca leather - Cognac with decorative stitching
Vernasca leather - Black with decorative stitching
Vernasca leather - Ivory white with decorative stitching
Vernasca leather - Magma red with decorative stitching
The equipment and technical data above is provided by a third party and FVL cannot be held responsible for any errors. Please check any details important to you with one of our leasing experts, or directly with the manufacturer.

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Performance stats

Top speed: 149 mph 200
6.6
0 to 62 mph (secs)
40.4
Fuel Consumption
197
Power (BHP)
31E
Insurance Group

Price History

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