BMW SPORTSTER IS A DELIGHT BMW is no stranger to the world of open sporting cars. Its first was the 328 of the 1930s although more modern motoring enthusiasts will probably remember it best for the limited run Z1, which had drop-down doors. Last incarnation of this Z series was the Z3, an unashamedly retro car influenced by the look of the much older cars. The latest Z car could not be more different, though. The Z4 has interesting styling and was the first car in the current BMW range to herald the sea-change in looks that BMWs underwent. The Z4 has what BMW calls a double waistline. It’s not like a double chin, sadly, or I could claim to have a double waistline, too. Instead, it involves finely sculpted lines in the side of the car that look very striking when combined with the right colour paint. BMW has created an equally interesting driving experience with the Z4. Hood up or down the car feels stiff and resists shake, important if the suspension is to be allowed to do its job. It may not be an out and out sportster but you can have sensible fun with it along back roads. My daughter’s partner and I both agree that when compared with the Porsche Boxster, the most obvious Z4 rival, the BMW provides the more interesting driving experience. The mid-engine layout of the Porsche may make fast driving easy but the front engine, rear drive set-up in the Z4 makes it great fun, just the thing enthusiasts say they have always demanded and why BMW steers clear of front drive, even on its smallest 1 Series. My latest test car had the 3.0 six cylinder petrol engine and it sounded superb, especially with the roof down. Cruising down country lanes, roof off, listening to the engine and the wildlife, when it makes enough noise to be heard, is what life’s all about. Or it should be. If you are driven by work rather than pleasure, then it’s time to lighten up and the BMW will help you do it. Even the 2.2 litre car sounds like a million dollars and is great fun to drive. It may lack ultimate pace but on our restricted roads that doesn’t really matter. There’s also a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine choice in the roadster but it doesn’t sound so good. The 2.5 (which now replaces the 2.2) and 3.0 litre engines were much improved last year when the coupe was introduced, making late plate cars a great choice. When it rains, as inevitably it will, it’s reassuring to know you can press the button and nine seconds later the sky is shut out with the hood firmly clamping itself to the screen rail. BMW says this is the fastest-operating fully automatic hood on the market, and who am I to argue? It’s certainly very impressive and much better than struggling to put up a manual top. In typical sports car fashion, the Z4 is all bonnet and stubby boot, although it’s surprising just how big that boot really is. Twist two knobs and it grows slightly bigger with the hood up as the hood compartment can be lifted out of the way. If you don't like getting blown about too much (why buy a sports car, then?) there’s an optional wind deflector. Running costs need not be massive – the 3.0 car was giving 30 mpg with ease and the 2.2 will exceed 40 mpg. Service intervals are governed by an indicator in the dash and insurance starts at Group 17. Prices for the 2.2 on an 03 plate are now down to around £14,900 but by the time you get to an 05 plate it’s possible to pick up a 2.0 for £17,525, about £750 less than a 2.2. The 2.5 litre cars start at just under £16,000 with another £1,000 needed for a 3.0. Go for a 56 plate and a 2.5 will set you back £25,000, saving £5,000 on the new price. Maurice Hardy