There aren’t many cars like the Nissan 370Z – a two-door, two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a V6 engine.
Not much has changed with the 370Z, just a few inconsequential inclusions to the package this year.
A new paint colour, new alloy wheel design and smoked front and rear lights as wells as smoky chrome finished door handles.
The clutch too has been in upgraded on the six-speed manual making it more responsive.
Exterior
This has to be, in my opinion, one of the coolest looking cars on the road.
The Nissan 370Z is distinctive, sleek and sexy.
With beetle-shaped curves, beautiful red callipers, and the afore mentioned big and flashy alloy wheels this coupe looks the part – compact, low slung, aerodynamic,
The interior is a tad underdone, with a fitout that is sparse and on the side of being dated.
I know machines like this are geared towards the drive, but the cabin could do with a little more style and comfort.
Mostly coated in smooth black plastic across the dashboard, the centre is narrow topped off with three racing style gauges and loop-type door handles being only real standouts.
The steering wheel only has tilt adjustment which is a real surprise, but the instrument panel moves with it so you’ve always got a view of them through the wheel no matter how tall you are.
These gauges are again simplistic with an orange LCD info display screen and Nissan could make the wheel more compact or flat-bottomed for a sportier feel.
Switches on the steering wheel and dash are basic and the recessed touchscreen is on the small side siting above a collection of buttons and a dial control.
Also absent in the meagre cabin is ample storage options. Well, there are storage areas, but the door pockets, cup holders, centre bin and storage bays behind the seats are all so small.
I’m so used to have a bin/hutch/cubby in the centre of the dash to put my phone not having it seems to be unusual.
In order to maintain the sleek, sloping shape of the rear, the boot is also very tiny.
You can’t fit in anything too bulky; just your shopping or a backpack and small suitcase.
There is a however, a cargo blind fitted to the inside of the liftback.
The Nissan 370Z is low on features too.
You do get push button start with keyless entry but no sunroof while the insides are just as scant.
The previously mentioned touchscreen has sat-nav linked to a Bose speaker system but there is no digital radio.
There are switches for the boot release and the heated seats.
The electrically adjustable seats do have controls placed conveniently on the inside next to the floor console facing up plus there’s under leg adjustment for the driver.
They are comfortable for occupants with leather accent and a soft, so-called non-slip cloth insert, but of course are hard to get out of being low set in combination with the slightly longer doors of the coupe.
Drive and Engine
As I said, the 370Z is all about the drive – the naturally aspirated V6 3.7 litre engine and manual transmission, the ride, and the dynamics.
It’s a fun drive that is nicely balanced between power and handling so you feel at one with the car, more so than most I’ve driven.
Pointing the nose of the Nissan into a corner feels cohesive and effortless.
Though not as punchy as turbos of today, there’s something raw about driving an unadulterated engine.
The 370Z does have a sports mode for more output.
The six-speed gearbox is okay to shift through with well-defined gates, though the gear knob itself could be better presented in leather or chrome.
Aside from the safety inclusions almost standard on all cars today (full set of airbags, reverse camera, braking and traction systems), the 370Z lacks more advanced safety features.
It’s devoid of any driver assist systems like lane departure or collision avoidance.
No idea what effect this has on the safety rating at it has not yet been tested by ANCAP.
Good Bits
- Balance of power/ride/handling
- External looks
Not so good bits
- Limited safety
- Limited features
- Internal styling
The Nissan 370Z is low on features and could do with a revamp of internal styling.
But if you like a well-balanced car with a V6 engine, two seats, and great driving dynamics then look no further.
It’s priced from $52,490 while there is a Roadster (convertible) version from $60,990.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Nissan 370Z
- Engine: 3.7L V6 petrol 245kW/363Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Warranty: 3 Yrs/100,000km
- Safety: Not yet tested
- Origin: Japan
- Price: From $49,990