The BMW Z4 roadster: an upmarket, dependable sports car

Price: £27,735 - £45,935

Pros: Great build quality, comfortable to drive, powerful engine range

Cons: Expensive to buy, limited practicality, no diesel option

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3.4/5 Carbuyer “The BMW Z4 is the German brand's answer to the Porsche Boxster. It has sporty looks thanks to its long-bonnet, short-boot, two-seater interior and electric hard-top roof. The latter is a new feature of the latest Z4, and means that less noise gets into the car's interior, as well as being more secure from thieves than the older fabric-style roof.

The Z4 comes with a decent range of engines. There's no diesel option but the petrol engines can return decent mpg figures or impressive performance, depending on what you're after.

While the BMW might not be quite as fun to drive as the Porsche Boxster, it probably makes a better day-to-day proposition. That means it is quiet and refined most of the time, but also fun when you find yourself on a twisty road.The Z4 comes with good levels of equipment, but dipping into the options list can bring your Z4 up to luxury-car levels of equipment, and prices...”

4/5 Auto Express "The rear-wheel-drive Z4 isn’t as engaging as a Boxster or Audi TT, but it is a surprisingly good cruiser, thank to its supple ride and refinement. Still, the naturally weighted steering, fine balance and decent grip mean the BMW still feels agile and composed through a series of corners."

4.5/5 Parker’s "Compared with the original model, the second-generation BMW Z4 Roadster has become a slightly different animal as the German car maker looks to make the two-seater more appealing to people considering a Mercedes-Benz SLK or Porsche Boxster."

3.5/5 Evo "The Z4 does do the boulevard cruiser thing particularly well. It's a doddle to drive, with an easy consistency to the brakes, steering and throttle; the cabin is snug and attractively laid out."