BMW Z4M/Coupe

Our verdict

Feels like a modern muscle car; the ride might be a bit firm, but nothing puts a smile on your face like a BMW Z4 Coupe. It’s a modern legend.

Comfort

Possibly not. The ride is hard, there's not much headroom and you can't see anything that's further than 20ft from the rear windscreen because of the sloping roofline. But who gives a stuff? Sit down, shut up and hold on.

Performance

Two engines: 3.0-litre straight six with 265bhp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and 155mph top end. That's fine and dandy until you drive the last-generation M3-engined Z4M Coupe with a 3.2-litre, 340bhp straight-six that'll get to 62mph in just five and head-butt the limiter at 155mph.

Cool

The Coupe is one of the coolest cars currently in production and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. As was the last one, actually, the now-deceased BMW Coupe.

Quality

Built like it should be; simple and strong. No issues here, though the silver plastic in the cabin can look a bit cheap in some lights.

Handling

Tail happy, hefty steering, no run-flats, no extra gubbins. The Z4 Coupe is pure joy for the driver. It's got huge grip, rides like a racing car and demands your attention all the time. Perfect.

Practicality

It's a hatch, but only small at 240 litres. It's got two seats, but don't apply if you're some sort of 6ft 4in super bean. You can't see out of the back and parking is a complete bugger. But you won't care after five minutes on a country lane.

Running costs

Group 18 or 20 for the pair of variants for insurance, 32-percent tax hit for the 3.0-litre, the full whack for the ‘M' car. Best compromise? The ‘M' car. No, really.