The 2009 BMW Z4 is completely redesigned, now a roadster only, with a look that is lean, mean and sophisticatedly elegant at the same time. The newest version of the Z4 is slightly larger than previously, and with more storage space. It introduces an aluminum convertible top that does a better job of keeping out the weather and folds into the trunk in 20 seconds, as well as reducing blind spots and greatly increasing the size of the rear window.

The Z4 is the direct descendant of the famous Z3 and competes with other foreign sports cars such as the Audi TT, Infiniti G, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Z, Porsche Boxter and Mercedes-Benz SLK. American competition, if you can call it that, includes such vehicles as the Chrysler Crossfire, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

The Z4 comes in two trims: the Z4 sDrive 30i and the Z4 sDrive 35i, both with rear-wheel drive. The 30i has a 3.0 liter, 255 horsepower V6 gasoline engine with a special six-speed manual transmission that has a shorter - thus faster - gearshift than other BMWs.

The 35i has a 3.0 liter, 300 horsepower turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. It offers a choice of the same transmission as the 30i or a six-speed automatic. Either transmission can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel. Finally, the 35i offers a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that can reportedly take you from 0 to 60 in five seconds. The 30i has pretty good horsepower for a small sports car, and the 35i is excellent. Mileage figures are not available for the Z4.

NHTSA and IIHS ratings are also unavailable for the 2009, and the changes from 2008 make previous ratings less than useful. The Z4 comes standard with antilock brakes with electronic braking assistance, traction control and vehicle stability control system, keyless remote entry and a trunk safety latch.

Like other small, luxury sports cars, the Z4 is somewhat hard to classify as the common classes are any one of those - small, luxury or sports. How well it performs and whether it's a bargain depend on how you look at it.

The base price for the 2009 BMW Z4 30i is $45,750 which compares well to the similar Audi TTS. The 35i, a bit snazzier little car, is also a little more expensive, coming in with a base price of $51,650. In today's economy those prices might be a little hard to swallow, but even in a downtrend you get what you pay for. And with BMW what you pay for is always first rate.