Weekend roadtest : Nissan 370Z Roadster



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.