 |
Rating 
SummaryHighly recommended. Nissan revived the coupe segment with the 350Z - and now it's even better. |
ReviewThe reason is simple enough - the Z is great to look at, brilliant to drive and remains very attractively priced. Though a few years old now it is still highly competitive, not least because Nissan has subtly but regularly upgraded it.
The 350Z was originally designed for the American market as a spiritual successor to the 240Z and 260Z roadsters that won such popularity there in the 'sixties and 'seventies. Its design combines classic proportions with strong lines and modern detailing - just check out the chunky door handles. The interior feels solid and is well constructed, although without the touchy-feely quality of rivals like the Audi TT. That's not the point - the Nissan is all about driving.
Something that, thanks to a 3.5 litre V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, it does brilliantly. Nissan's benchmark during the car's development was actually the original Porsche Boxster, and although the Z can't quite match its mid-engined German rival on handling finesse it comes pretty close on dynamic purity. Great-feeling steering helps tell the driver how much grip the front tyres still have to call on - while the long-travel throttle pedal can be used to make instinctive adjustments to your cornering line by supplying more power to the rear wheels.
Grip levels are high and the Nissan stays predictable as the limited approaches - and for road use the brilliant stability control system is a welcome safeguard. The original V6 engine sounds great and likes to be thrashed, but at lower revs it can't muster much in the way of overtaking power - all the more reason to use the superbly accurate action of the six-speed manual gearbox. But the latest 350Zs, released in May '07, have a reworked engine that's 80 percent new and delivers stronger mid-range torque. It also revs harder, with a 500rpm higher 7500rpm redline. Peak power is now 313bhp versus 300bhp (original 350Zs had 276bhp), and torque climbs slightly to 264lb ft, some 90percent of this is available from 2000rpm. There are mild downsides - the engine sounds harsher at high revs, and its greater bulk has necessitated a slightly ugly bonnet bulge, but the car's centre of gravity is lower despite the physically bigger engine - that's good for its handling. Both coupe and Roadster versions are available, the latter enjoying an easy-to-operate fabric roof and excellent structural stiffness.
Breakdown
Styling The 350Z was designed by a talented young Brit - Ajay Panchal. And he got the tricky combination of retro and modern just right. |
Handling  Predictable and composed under normal road use, the 350Z stays good when you turn up the heat on a racetrack. Latest '07 version tramlines less, making this Z a highly entertaining, and safe, drive. |
Comfort  The low roofline limits headroom for taller drivers. The ride over sharp bumps is better with the latest '07MY version, thanks to new Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, which can be fitted to earlier models. Road noise, previously a major weakness, is much reduced by these tyres too. Body control re |
Quality & reliability Solid construction throughout - despite '06 improvements the cabin lacks the high-quality materials of cars like the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster. |
Performance The latest 3.5 litre V6 engine has to be worked less hard than the previous version to extract its full complement of 313 bhp, though it sometimes sound harsher. It's refined when cruising though. And very quick - 62mph arives in 5.7 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 155mph, which can be bris |
Roominess Headroom is limited by the low roofline - the natural driving position is therefore with a heavily reclined seat. The lack of rear seats limits practicality, although the payoff is decent luggage space. The Roadster provides similar room for two, but less luggage room. |
Running costs Surprisingly sensible for a car in this class. Gentle use will see fuel economy climbing to upper-20s mpg while servicing is far cheaper than the obvious rivals. Excellent residuals help protect your investment. But its poor CO2 output could attract penalties. |
Value for money Considering the style and performance on offer, the 350Z looks like compellingly value - in standard or GT forms. Most UK buyers opt for the GT pack, with Bose 240watt stereo, electric heated seats and cruise control. |
Stereo / Sat nav The stereo looks cheap but offers decent sound quality and a multichanger comes as standard. The optional Bose system sounds superb. Satnav is relatively good value. |
Comments
|
|