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Weekend roadtest : Nissan 370Z Roadster
publication date: Apr 3, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
 | | | | Premium sports car are among the first models to
accelerate out of the sales recession, so the arrival of the latest
Nissan 370Z Roadster could not have come at a better time.
The latest incarnation of the legendary Z-series of sports cars, which
can trace back their history over 40 years, brings open-topped
desirability to the brand which has carved out a strong following among
enthusiasts.
Nissan say the UK is the best market for the car and it will sell about
400 Z Roadsters this year compared to 600 Coupes, and traditionally it
is the higher specification models which have done better.
The new 370Z shares the latest low emission tweaks to its 3.7 litre V6
engine as fitted to the Coupe version, but that is about where the
similarity ends as the Roadster was designed from the ground up as an
open-topped car.
It has a different body/chassis to provide additional stiffness with
reduced flexing without compromising safety and the powered fabric hood
sits under a solid cover ahead of the usual boot.
The single touch hood folds away or into place in about 20 seconds and
its position under the rear deck means it does not intrude into boot
space or create a blind spot in the mirror.
It is a very snug fitting hood and in place there is no wind noise,
while the open style does not induce much wind turbulence around the
cabin area, helped by the rear baffle panel, low seating position and
deep windows.
All Z models are available with Connect Premium entertainment and satnav
system as in the GT-R but the range for the new versions has been
slightly rationalised to reflect buyer taste. The 370Z Roadster mirrors
the Coupe’s base, GT Pack and GT Pack with Sat Nav and the 6sp manual
or new 7sp paddle shift automatic derivatives, but adds about £1,900 to
the tin-top’s prices so the open topped versions rise from £29,900 to
£36,150
First impressions of the latest Nissan 370Z Roadster evoke memories of
the 350Z Roadster and it is a very stylish sports car with the hood open
or closed.
| | | | The hood is simple to operate, dropping the windows,
lifting
the tonneau cover and then folding it all away ready to drive off.
I did not find it as quick as I was expecting for a sports car with an
uncharacteristically long initial delay which made me wonder if it was
working, but once underway the action was uninterrupted, smooth and
quiet.Wind buffeting was very low, even with the side windows
down, the
heating system poured out abundantly and the new car comes with
air-conditioned seats, while there was no noticeable twisting or
vibration from the bodywork.
|  | | | | Through the gears it is brisk, the steering is direct,
brakes very
powerful but I found the suspension too firm and sometimes very bumpy on
secondary roads now liberally sprinkled with potholes. On a good dual
carriageway it was very smooth.
The Nissan 370Z Roadster responded well to steering, throttle and
brakes, and the handling never gave a moment’s concern. For the first
time the Roadster comes with an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission
and it is a very good system with excellent ratios and smoothness. | Inside a sports car it is always a challenge to find
storage space but
the Roadster’s designers have done a pretty good job at creating bins,
trays and lidded compartments and the boot holds up to 140 litres,
enough for a decent sized sports bag or small golfing bag.
The new ICE system is borrowed from the GT-R and comes equipped with a
40GB Hard Disk Drive and advanced Satellite Navigation. The dashboard
mounted screen has a resolution now four times higher, while the new
unit features a touch screen display, DVD functionality, iPod USB
connectivity and coverage of more European countries than ever. |  | The
system also offers 10GB storage for music files which can be imported
direct from your CD collection.
It is a highly refined ICE system which matches the sophistication of
the powertrain and it all comes at a price which is ultra competitive
when lined up against rivals from Germany.
The fact that the Z-Roadster is also rarer than most competitors must
also increase its desirability without detracting from its dynamic
ability to please as well. ©Robin
Roberts |
| Fact file | | | Nissan 370Z Roadster GT Pack & Sat Nav (top of range)
7speed auto. £36,150
Engine/transmission: 3.7V6 328ps 363Nm at 5200rpm, 7-speed paddle-shift
automatic.
Performance: 155mph, 0-62mph 5.8 seconds, 25.9mpg, CO2 254g/km, VED on
the Roadster GT pack with sat nav from 1 April will be
£950 and will revert to £435 on 1st anniversary.
BIK company car tax 35%. Insurance group: 20E/ 47.
For: Smooth powertrain, crisp exhaust, great grip, stylish looks.
Against: Slow operating hood, lumpy ride on secondary roads, small
boot. |
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