BMW quickly replaced the Z3 with the Z4, and that divided opinion, too. It was one of designer Chris Bangle's weirdest works - someone said it looked like it had been designed with a machete.

Six years down the line, this new one finally gets everything right. In fact, it feels like it belongs to a different, more serious class of sports car. It's six inches longer, has a folding aluminium (not fabric) roof, has better visibility, better storage, and the 1.9 is no longer offered - the range now starts with a decent 2.5-litre capable of 151mph.

I lucked out and was given the range-topping 35i, which does 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and has double clutch transmission. Let me take back any mean words I've said about BMW's Z-cars, as this is a proper grown-up roadster. On the motorway it feels comfortable (if a bit skittish at high speeds), but it was on the country roads where I really had fun.

Changing the setting on the Drive Dynamic Control button to 'Sport', which quickens the gear change and stiffens the suspension, I let her rip. With 50:50 weight distribution and optional electronically controlled dampers, it's perfectly poised in the corners, although I feel the steering could be sharper.

Automatic gear shift (left) and sports seats in SunReflective leather (right)