The spartan dashboard is shaped like a surfboard

From behind the wheel the Z4 feels like a tighter Z3. The throttle and steering are responsive, the engine is highly refined and the exhaust growls subtly between gear changes. Acceleration is brisk by any standards. The 2.5 covers the 0100kmh dash in a respectable 7.0 the 3.0 takes a claimed 5.9 seconds. The 3.0 test car provided by BMW (there were no 2.5s available for media evaluation) felt quick, but not that quick. If the exterior is a departure from conventional design, wait until you see the cabin. The spartan dashboard is shaped like a surfboard. Overseas markets have a confronting woodgrain finish as standard but BMW Australia opted for brushed aluminium, which is little consolation: the horizontal etching feels like sanper. The controls are otherwise functional and cupholders are fitted for the first time. The glovebox appears to be an afterthought, hidden as it is by the shape of the dashboard. The lid opens down into the passenger's footwell, causing what few items it holds to fall out. A lockable compartment between the seats aims to compensate for the lack of storage. BMW intends to compete directly with the likes of the MercedesBenz SLK and Porsche Boxster, yet it has retained a fabric roof rather than switching to the vogue folding metal designs. The ragtop, however, saves weight and enables the roof to be raised or lowered in about half the time of a folding metal roof. BMW claims either operation takes less than 10 according toDrive 's stopwatch, it was up or down in about eight seconds. All cars tested were equipped with the fully automated roof. There were no latches, just one button to press. However, we were disappointed to learn, this roof is optional. The softtop also has what is possibly an unintended benefit: it doesn't hurt when you hit your head on the roof. On every bump (and even on gentle undulations) we encountered, the suspension bucked sharply upwards, causing nausea after an extended spell of driving. The Z4 still does not ride and handle as a thoroughbred roadster should. It is Rosetta Stone Korean surprising to find this shortcoming in the model that would benefit most from BMW's expertise in this field. Like the Z3, the Z4 was created by fitting a new body on the underpinnings of the 3 Series sedan. The convertible's lowslung stance may have created limitations with the suspension. The Z4 is competent but it is no rival for the Porsche Boxster. There are two suspension setups but, as a colleague said, the comfort set up is not comfortable and the sporty option is not sporty. The test cars, BMW said, were built to US specifications and did not necessarily reflect the setup of cars to be delivered in Australia. We will reserve judgement until it arrives mid2003. Mixed mediaThe Z4's mix of convex and concave lines proved a challenge for some of the world's best car photographers. One said the reflections were so hard to eliminate it was "like trying to photograph the back of a spoon". 44 time Those keen to buy a highper formance version of the Z4 will be disappointed. BMW says it has no plans to build an M roadster based on the new model for "at least three years". And even then, given the rush of new models due in the next five years, there is no guarantee the Z4M will be built. What the new BMW Z4 must beat ... Mercedes Benz SLK The BMW Z4's main rival is not due for replacement until late 2004. The secondgeneration Mercedes Benz SLK is expected to share visual cues with the flagship SLR, such as a Formula Onestyle nose and twin round headlamps. The car has been spied during testing but has been heavily cloaked to disguise the design. E

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