THE BMW Z3 borrows the:316I's rear-wheel-drive layout, indepen NEWS photo dent. suspension, and balanced handling characteristics. The Z3 features an easy-to-put-down cloth top, four-whgel-disc brakes with ABS, and a 138 = hersepowe: Vancouver. zy areg IF promotional hoopla: plays a-role in the pur- chasing decision of a “new.sports car, then : BMW’s: marketing department receives top. marks’ for the pro motion, aad:pre-pro-' motion of the new Z3. ‘Last Fall, BMW announced. they wouid build the Z3 in their new plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Then it was announced that James Bond would be driving the Z3 in Goldeneye (albeit for a very short period of time). After that, the car was shunted | SERVICE & USED PARTS ) (MECHANICAL & BODY FARTS) around different Canadian auto shows to tease the buy- ing public. All this was done before the car even went on sale in the spring. The result? BMW received thousands of orders from across North America prior to the car MARINE er 1.9-litre four-cylinder engines. Teat drive the 23 Wid: even going into production. Bur does the 23 live up to the dynamic image por- - trayed by the marketing magicians? Is this small, two: seat sports car really worth $40,000? A couple of car magazines have already compared the Z3 to the Mazda Miata, cit- ing its similar size, similar horsepower, and similar per- formance. Both magazines were also quick to point out that the Z3 costs $10,006 mo ; t value is often in the e j t Park Shore Motors, 1500 Fel! Ave., North ane eye of the beholder, and where there is demand, there is value. In my opinion, the 23's strong points are its styling, handling, and its image. ‘This is 2 very aggressive-looking car, and looks bigger than it actually is. Note the strong, V-shape on the hood, wrap- around lenses over round: headlights, side air-vents, and prominent BMW grille built right into the hood. The styling of the rear- See Bimmer page &B Because we're in the business of peace-of-nind. You can rely on our Autoplan Agents for professional advice, and for the coverage you need... no mare, no less. So when you leave with policy in hand, peace-of-mind goes with you, BCAA Insurance Agency