Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
Our opinions on two cars we’ve cruised in, swerved, braked and parked.
/ Z4 sDrive20i Steptronic
INSIDE THE CABIN, this is really a tiny little sports car, especially if you’re a human of larger proportions. But, it packs a punch, in features and performance. BMW engineers have outdone themselves with the ergonomics and styling, inside and out, as well as with the responsiveness of the 2.0 L turbopetrol four-pot. That’s right, our test unit wasn’t the more burly 3.0 L straight six, but it turned out to be far from disappointing.
Once I’d adapted to the spacial confines of the cabin, I found the drive responsive and nimble, perhaps expected from a sports car clocking in at only 1 405 kg, some 130 kg lighter than the flagship derivative. I’m no Lewis Hamilton, but I did turn up the G-forces on some corners, and the cosseting sports seats kept my bum and torso planted, exactly where they needed to be. The gear-change action from the eight-speed auto transmission was smooth, and the auto override let’s you take a bit more control
(but is entirely unnecessary). Toggling through the three drive modes – Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro – adjusts the car’s on-road set-up.
The dash boasts a large digital read-out, and a sizeable rectangular infotainment screen, the nerve centre through which most settings can be manipulated. The menus are simple to scroll through and understand, which isn’t always the case in upmarket vehicles.
It only seats two, and the boot space is compact, but probably larger than you’d expect, especially considering the fabric soft-top has to fold away in that vicinity too.
This car is almost objectively attractive, with its aggressive shark-like front end, and sturdy athletic tail. The silhouette is sleek and attention-grabbing. The black fabric roof against the colourful bodywork, dual tailpipes, 225/45/ZR18 tyres and swish head- and tail lights complete the package.
I wouldn’t say I went too easy on the throttle, but at the end of my week with the car, the fuel economy read-out measured around 8 L/100 km, which isn’t too bad.
Sports cars may not be my thing, but I was definitely a touch disappointed to hand back the keys.