Overall rating:

On paper the BMW Z4 sDrive28i makes a lot of sense - it's twenty per cent more efficient than the model it replaces and just as quick. It's good looking (at least with the roof down) and on the right road it's fun to drive too. But good though it is, the Z4 28i will always be two cylinders short of greatness.

Key Facts

Model tested: BMW Z4 sDrive28i
Pricing: £33,645 (£43,225 as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-seat roadster
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 370Z Roadster, Porsche Boxster
CO₂ emissions: 159g/km
Combined economy: 41.5mpg
Top speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
0-62mph: 5.7 seconds
Power: 245hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 349Nm at 1,500rpm

Inside & Out:

Nothing's changed really, save for some sDrive28i badging. So roof down it's an old-school roadster, all long bonnet, short tail and bulging bodywork. Roof up it's ungainly, not helped by the relatively small 17-inch standard wheels.

Inside's pretty familiar as well, though our example came fitted with the new Design Pure Balance package (£1,815). The extended Cohiba brown leather looks great, but the white contrast stitching reflects badly in the windscreen. We'd leave the option box un-checked, and enjoy the quality fit and finish of the standard cabin.

Ride & Handling:

Right from the off, it's obvious this is no 'Boxster beater'. The steering is too light, and lacking in communication, and even at low speed you are aware there is much more body movement. Increase the speed and body roll becomes all too obvious, and the folding hard top soon makes its weight known.

It isn't rubbish though - far from it. You just need to appreciate this car is more about city cruising than circuit competing. Even in Sport+ mode the Drive Dynamic Control and Adaptive M Sport suspension on our example kept the ride comfort acceptable.

You sit really far back in the chassis, a feeling emphasised by the view over the impossibly long bonnet. And though every input seems to affect the rear before the front, it's nimble and quick to react. It is the refinement that shines through though, especially at motorway speeds where the solid roof makes it quiet and comfortable, whatever the outside conditions.

Engine & Transmission:

We're going to have to get used to four-cylinder engines in BMWs, as the turbocharged units are much more efficient than and equally as powerful as the six-cylinder items they replace. We'll never get used to the noise though. It may be more interesting than a conventional four, but it just doesn't sound as exciting as a straight-six near the rev-limit.

It is incredibly flexible with a linear power delivery and is keen to rev, but in a roadster especially we'd prefer more aural drama. Thankfully the firm has left the excellent six-speed manual gearbox alone, and the weighty but short-shift remains.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

A Z4 28i isn't cheap - and the options on our particular car take the sticker price north of £40,000. And in its basic form, the Z4 sDrive28i isn't exactly loaded with kit. Still, all models now come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

As ever with BMW though, the Z4 can be maintained for five years at a one-off cost of £350 - which is incredibly good value compared to its competitors. Thanks to CO₂ emissions of 159g/km annual road tax is a very reasonable £165.