Road test - Nissan 370Z

Author: Ian Strachan

I know where you can buy a brand new Porsche for not much more than £30,000. Well it’s not really a Porsche. It’s a Nissan. But if you’re not obsessed with having the famous German badge on your car, this stunner is every bit as good looking – if not better – with stonking performance.

It may not be quite as quick off the starting blocks as a Porsche, but the Nissan 370Z has all the power and performance you're ever going to need.

I test drove the latest 370Z Coupe with GT pack, which comes in at a good value £32,800. That includes a premium satellite navigation system and ultra low profile 19 inch forged alloy wheels which are simply stunning. Smart twilight grey metallic paint added another £550 to my test car.

The Nissan is powered by a potent 3.7 litre V6 engine which pumps out 328 bhp and will get you from 0-60 mph in a shade over five seconds. This unit certainly sounds the part: a mouth watering lump of growling power, delivering its drive to the rear wheels, which is exactly how it should be. The unit is linked to a pleasant short throw six speed manual gearbox, with a visual display telling you which gear you're in.

Despite its grunt, fuel economy is respectable. You'll get nearly 28 mpg in mixed driving, and a dashboard indicator tells you if you're being too heavy-footed.

This is a car which really scores with its good looks. Slightly smaller than its predecessor it is a real head turner - a pure two-seater sports car in a dramatically styled package. And it is exceptionally well built with tight panel gaps and a high quality feel.

Inside the car feels the part, too. Large sports seats cocoon you in comfort.  Centrally mounted instruments - slightly inclined towards the driver - are clear, with echoes of the car's heritage - the original 240Z. 

Despite this being a no-compromise sports car, the rear storage space is large enough for two sets of golf clubs or a large suitcase. There's a further lockable storage compartment big enough for a briefcase behind the seats. 

Handling is superb, with limpet-like road holding around corners. This stickability comes at a price, though. Suspension is hard so the car can be a bit skittish on poor roads.

Standard equipment on the 370Z includes bi-xenon automatic headlamps, Bluetooth phone installation with steering wheel controls, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and ignition, all round airbags and leather seats.

A couple of words of warning: The front valance is so low it will not clear a high kerb if you're 90 degree parking.  Also, those gorgeous alloys stand proud of the tyre so it's all too easy to dink them on the kerb. Be careful!

But those are minor niggles in a car that's worth every penny and will draw admiring glances wherever you go.