| DRIVING RATING: |
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A few slip-ups here. The first part of the steering's movement is slow-witted and vague, which makes this wide car feel even wider and sometimes hard to place accurately. Also, if the driving seat is set low as befits a sporting drive, shorter people can't see the bottom part of the minor dials. Otherwise the Z4 is easy to drive: both manual gearchanges are very smooth and easy, and the switchgear is simple and logical to use with nothing remotely like an iDrive system to learn - the Z4 isn't complex enough to need one. Dynamic Drive Control, which sharpens steering and throttle response, is standard in the UK. With it switched off, the steering is light and easy; switch it on and there's more heft to the helm. Electrically assisted power steering systems are lighter than hydraulic ones and save on fuel, but can lack feedback. Not so much with the Z4's, though, which is one of the best electric systems on the market. Why just three stars? The Z4 is almost great fun, thanks to its powerful engine, excellent chassis balance, rear-wheel drive and strong roadholding, but the steering responds too slowly from straight-ahead to make it a really precise, invigorating drive. Once the Z4 is turned into a bend the steering sharpens up and with DDC engaged, it becomes much heavier - that contrast can be unsettling. The Z4 is most rewarding on tight, twisty roads where you're hauling it round bend after bend, rather than gently deflecting it off course.
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