THE BMW Z4 is a great driving sportscar and much better than the Z3 that went before.

It has sharp handling, brilliant steering and a good ride, along with the usual exhilarating BMW performance.

But as with all originally expensive cars I say it again, never buy without full service history.

Engines start with a 2.0-litre four and then come 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0-litre sixes, with power outputs ranging from 150 to 261bhp.

All are smooth and powerful in the BMW tradition but if you can run to the six cylinder models you have more performance and a wonderful sound.

Steering and chassis response is marvelous and it feels very predictable and safe through corners at speed.

This is perfect if you like twisty roads but the Z4 is also very calm and composed on motorways.

Smaller engines make the car feel more nimble and the best overall is the 2.5-litre.

The SE and most other models ride well but Sport models, with larger wheels and sports suspension, feel fidgety on rough surfaces.

A quick electric roof retracts in just a few seconds and gives good sound and wind insulation when up at speed.