BMW Z4 (2013) new engine and facelift

This is (really) the new BMW Z4 for 2013. Granted, the tweaked head- and tail-lights, and new side vent modelled on the BMW 4-series are subtle alterations at best.

It's what's under the bonnet is of more interest, if you've always fancied one of BMW's folding hard-top sports cars on your driveway.

Yes indeed: a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, clumsily badged as Z4sDrive18i. It's actually a detuned version of the same 2.0-litre unit found in the (you've guessed it) Z4sDrive20i.

Power outputs in the entry-level car stand at 154bhp and 177lb ft. That's 28bhp/22lb ft less than the next model up. Unsurprisingly, it's the slowest Z4 in the range, hitting 62mph in 7.9sec and topping out at 137mph.

The My-First-Z4 achieves 41.5mpg and 159g/km of CO2 according to BMW – identical figures to not just the 20i, but also the 2.8i, which boasts 244bhp and 258 lb ft.

Yes, by a sizeable £2100 versus the 20i. Prices start at £27,610 for a manual transmission car, though an eight-speed automatic is also available.

That price tag puts the 18i Z4 in the same cost ballpark as the similarly powerful Audi TT Roadster 1.8 TFSI, and £2375 cheaper than the Mercedes SLK 200.

Well, there's a new colour: Valencia Orange as seen in our gallery is the same hue made famous by the BMW 1-series M Coupe.

However, on the Z4 you can ape the Ferrari California by speccing a contrasting black roof.

By Ollie Kew