[rogerxp]

Well, woke up this morning to the sun shining through my curtains so thought, better test drive a 370Z Roadster before the next wave of rain comes.

Tootled down to West Way Nissan in Manchester where I knew there was one available for a) test drive and b) purchase. I’m not sure I’m in the market just yet (unless the price was too good to say no too) but thought I’d better get behind the wheel anyway.

Was surprised to be greeted by a chap in a GTR polo-shirt. The last time I checked this wasn’t a GTR specialist garage but, after a quick chat, it’s about to be. It’s going through all the final testing so will be made official before the end of the year. There was a lovely ‘10’ plate GTR on the forecourt; those things just ooze menace.

Anyway, inside there was a 40th Anniversary Coupe (just stunning in black/dark red/dark wheels combo) and a Roadster which is the demonstrator. After a chat the cars were moved around and off we went.

I drove a manual version (with rev-synchro gizmo). The chap said he’s an avid manual lover but admitted to being 50/50 between the manual/auto on the 370Z but would probably plum for the manual if it was his money.

I’m a huge fan of the styling of the 370Z, in both coupe & roadster guise, but do think the coupe just about wins by looking a bit more menacing. The 19inch alloys are stunning and really show off the huge Brembo brakes. One little gripe is that the roadster has an aerial stuck to the centre of the boot-lid which just spoils the lines a little (the coupe it’s hidden in the roof). The soft-top is completely new compared to the 350Z; this one is double lined (so all the mechanicals are hidden from view) and also helps with temperature and noise. It’s amazing how much of a difference this makes to the interior; really improves the finish.

Upon start-up (when I fell instantly for my first 350Z) I was a little underwhelmed. Even though it did make a nice sound it wasn’t half as loud (and I mean in as good way) as the 350Z. It was really quiet at idle which surprised me. I think this was the first indication of this cars purpose – it’s not quite the same ‘shouty & leery’ car the 350Z is; it has certainly grow-up & evolved. You can really drive this car extremely relaxed but it certainly does wake up when poked. After 5,000rpm the noise really kicks in and it makes a fabulous noise but did get a wanting for more noise lower down the rev range (I’ve heard a few on 370Z forums going for aftermarket exhausts to address this issue).

Inside the cabin, I really like it, it’s not quite a PS3 game inside like the GTR (which is a good thing), but has the familiar 3 round instrument dials on the dash of most Z cars. The interior is certainly a big improvement, very good quality materials and everything felt very solid and well put together.

Spec is very high also as standard (I was in a GT spec car which throws in a lot of stuff). Leather (heated & cooled/electric), xenons, touch-screen Sat-Nav (which looks excellent), fixed speed camera warnings (not updated though so a bit flawed I thought), 8gb hard disc for music, ipod/usb/etc connection, comfort access, the list goes on...

So, out on the road, as I’ve mentioned you can really drive it relaxed. Very comfy and quiet (even with the roof down). The suspension is pretty firm but definitely firmly on the side of acceptable (way better than BMWs efforts). There is no reach adjustment on the steering but luckily I didn’t find this a problem but others would need to seriously check this.

With the GTR man next to me there was absolutely no rush whatsoever so think our test drive lasted nearly an hour (being Monday morning might have helped). Did some motorway, duel carriageway, back-roads and, for those who know it, a seriously good blast around Trafford Park. When quiet there are some great roads for testing a sports car. This was the part of the test drive that really surprised me. The way the car comes alive once provoked is brilliant (Jekyll & Hyde) and it handles much better than the 350Z Roadster; there is so much more grip, poise, stability which give your confidence in spades.

The power, even though only modestly higher than my last 350Z (which was revised up to 313bhp), at 326bhp is really put to good effect right across the rev range. It just pulls in any gear at any speed. Seems to be a lot less gear changing going on and so can hold onto gears for longer.

That brings me neatly onto the rev-synchro gizmo. For those who don’t know, when changing down, it automatically matches the revs to the engine speed. You stick it in gear and there is no jolt whatsoever and you’re away. Like an automated, and faultless, ‘heal/toe’ function. On paper I wasn’t sure why this was needed but it really does add to the pleasure. Difficult to explain but it instantly ‘clicks’ with you once behind the wheel.

Unlike the 350Z (where they simply lopped to roof of a coupe to make a roadster) the 370Z coupe & roadster were designed simultaneously from the start and this shows massively in its stability. It felt incredibly planted to the road and you’d have to try very hard indeed to get the rears to lose grip (a small criticism from some as it loses a little of its playful nature!!).

So, price, this is where it gets really good. I was looking at a 10 plate ex-demo (5,000 miles for £30,500 – there are cheaper though) but there is interest free (with 25% deposit) being offered on brand new ones so a new one works out cheaper (under certain packages). If I throw in my 330i (£6k), and another £3k, over 24 months I’d pay £372. The balloon would be something like £17k which I’d either pay, flog the car (and hope to make some profit) or hand the keys back. Over 36 months the interest is 2.4% (I think) which seemed very good value. Didn’t have time to really pick holes in the finance package but looked quite good at a glance.

So, what am I going to do, mmm, not too sure. Think the 370Z Roadster is very likely to be my next car just don’t know when to do it. The interest free finance on a new 60 plate car has thrown me somewhat. Still think I’m a bit ahead of myself (could do with clearing some more debt first I think)...

This roadster is in ‘black rose’ which is quite an amazing paint job. In some lights it’s black, some it’s deep red, some it’s got a brown tinge to it and then purple. Quite impressive, and different, but didn’t think it was quite for me; black or gunmetal for me please.

Positives
Styling
Power
Handling
High Spec
Price
Rarity

Negative
Stupid aerial
Cannot open/close soft-top on move
No reach on steering wheel
A little too quiet on standard exhaust
£400 tax band

Anyone in the market for a 2 seater soft-top (Peter – this is aimed at you ) HAS to give this car a go. It’s not quite the ‘yob’ car the 350Z was, it’s certainly a much more grown-up car (luckily still has some ‘yob’ running through its veins though)

Some photos (not great shots – forgot to get in interior one)...
Link - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...72ag?logcode=p

[peterg1965]

Great write up Rog, you have clearly been taking lessons from the E90 maestro herself - Helen. The 370Z looks sunning from the outside, it is the inside where I have a problem, it just doesn't look to be the germanic quality of the Z4, it seems a little bit 'thrown together' for me. I also think the running costs (fuel/VED/Insurance) are likely to be greater than the Z4. I am surprised by the tempting finance offers on such a new car, this would indicate that sales are not as good as Nissan would have hoped for and they are not shifting enough. If I was closer to Manchester I would pop down for a drive!

However, I have been offered a very, very tempting deal on a fully specced 23i Z4. Big discount coupled with a PCP finance rate that beats the very best high street loan rates.

It's decision time for me....I also have a chap who is very interested in the Octavia vRS which would mean that I have lost next to nothing on that!

[rogerxp]

I didn't intend on challenging Helen for the position of 'best write-up' but it just seemed to flow once I got going . You'll notice it not half as 'technical' as Helens .

I like the interior actually. I do like BMWs but I think they are getting a bit left behind and starting to look old and boring. Audi are showing everyone how it's done these days IMO. This interior satisfied by thirst for plenty of buttons & toys but not too many. The cock-pit did seem to wrap itself around you. Nice soft-touch materials and suede/alcantara on the doors too.

Oh, didn't mention the stereo. The guy has downloaded some music onto the hard drive and had a quick blast; it was a very impressive stereo. Still branded as BOSE, like the old one, but vastly better. You wouldn't need to consider an upgrade (lucky as there isn't one ) unlike some of our motors.

[peterg1965]

So are you tempted?? Did he offer £6K for your E46?

[rogerxp]

Am I tempted, hell yeah, if finances permitted I'd have snapped his hand off today.

In all honesty, I'd like to drive a 35i Z4, but struggle to see how it would sway me away from the 370Z. As I say I'd need to have a drive first (now there's an idea).

They offered £6k for the 330i but this was just a figure he threw at it to get the ball rolling. Glasses guide was somewhere near this figure but I'd hope to push further with it to be honest. I'm not sure how much pushing I'd get away with given the 0% interest on a brand new car; I'd have a good go though.

The deal, even though sounded good, wasn't ground breaking enough for me to face the wrath of the missus when I arrived how with the finance papers. In 6 months time there will be more used examples around to throw into the mix. There's a new ex-demo for £28k just popped up on AutoTrader so there's another £1.5k thrown into the deal.

As I say, a bit too soon to change my car in reality, need a make a bigger dent into the en-suite/bedroom debt currently say on an interest free credit card before I can pull rank and change cars!!!

[peterg1965]

I always find that a designer handbag and/or a pair of Christian Laboutin shoes for the good lady somehow smooths the process

[Em135eye]

Have always liked these ever since the 350Z came out. Had I been able to get away with two seats, I would have bought a 350Z - but the R32 Golf had more space so I got that.

The 370Z appears to just do everything that little bit better with 911 scaring performance. Not the roadster though. No no and no.

[rogerxp]

I admit the coupe looks better but, I just love top-down action, so am happy to sacrifice some looks and the occassional "hair-dresser" jibe to get what I want. My face even picked up some colour this morning on the test drive - bonus!!

With only one child at present I can get away with a two-seater (especially when our other car is a truck!).

[misterS3]

Roger - you spoiled a nice review by praising the Bose stereo.

It's the biggest POS stereo in any car going. I have the big brother and the speakers are pathetic. You get better quality in £10 desktop computer speakers. Bose = no high and no lows. I'm sure if you'd been listening to the stereo on your test drive you'd have turned it off.

Saying that, you're probably not buying it for the stereo. Although the bee-sting ariel looks like a piece of clownage!

I've had time in a 350z and thought there were great fun cars to drive and if the 370z is an improvement it must make it one of the best in it's sector.

I wonder how it compares to the TTRS or Cayman.

[rogerxp]

I wasnt too impressed by the previous BOSE system but the one is in a different league; honestly!

[beemerbird]

Blimey roger, I've had to read that review in stages.........excellent stuff.

Looks very nice actually! But I thought you were holding off buying new or nearly new cars or did I read it wrong?

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Blimey roger, I've had to read that review in stages

Didn't get much work done today

Originally Posted by beemerbird

But I thought you were holding off buying new or nearly new cars

...I'm trying

[zltm089]

great review!!!...

Please go and test drive the new Z4 35is, would be interesting to know how does it compare....

I assume it would be faster than the z4, but in terms of looks...i prefer the z4....

[zltm089]

The heal/toe function must be really good....I find it so hard to do on the TTS....I keep applying the wrong pressure on the pedals and miss the ideal rev range...so embarassing...

[Boyd1963]

Great write up Roger.

I went to look at one yesterday but got sidetracked by the Peugeot showroom when I saw a white RCZ parked at the front. (I'm a cheapskate by nature) I went for a test drive in both the 2.0 petrol and diesel. I'm no car expert but I liked it. The ride seemed remarkably smooth for a car with 19" wheels and they both went pretty well. (I'm used to a 320i)

Most important to me there were plenty of gadgets. Bluetooth, Hard-drive, USB, Sat-Nav. I didn't think the Sat-Nav looked great as the screen was black which looked like a night view to my TomTom eyes. The salesman didn't know whether it could be changed.

The dash was very nice and you can either have it in leather or pseudo leather. I would worry about how well it would resist scratches though. This is a big factor in my household where every body (except me) carries studded/armoured handbacks to inflict maximum damage.

Overall I was very impressed but it's probably just my inner hairdresser coming out. It's definitely a sheep in wolves clothing as the performance figure aren't fantastic. On top of that the top of the range model with Sat-Nav costs £26,500 which is starting to get into TT territory although admittedly it's fully loaded.

There are also absolutely no discounts to be had so you wont be seeing one outside my salon. Think I'll have to go and have a look at the 370Z as I originally intended.

[rogerxp]

Well, if you're in the market for a two-seater 'sports' car then you've gotta try the 370Z. At the price of the RCZ you'd easily pick up a barely used 370Z coupe and I'd imagine it would be a whole load more fun (more expensive to run though admittedly). There is even a roadster at £28k just popped up on the Nissan website - now that is a steal (even before bartering).

I've seen a couple of RCZ's but can't make up my mind about them. Thought they looked great on paper but not convinced in the flesh (admittedly only had quick glances at them). From what I remember, as you say, the performance in nothing to shout about either which seems a bit of a let down to be honest.

[misterS3]

My sis owned a 206CC from new (okay that's a while back) and the amount of trouble she had with it, was ridiculous.

I'd be wary of the RCZ for that reason alone. Stupid it may be considering that was then (and i love Pugs going back to the 104 and 504 days) but i'd be much happier handing over almost £30k to Nissan than Peugeot.

[Ham09]

I'm not keen on the styling of the covertible, especially with the roof up. The new Z4 is a much better looking roadster in my opion. The 370z coupe on the other hand, I thinks looks quite good and stands out for all the right reasons. Still going to be a marmite sort of car I suspect.

Good review!

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by misterS3

My sis owned a 206CC from new (okay that's a while back) and the amount of trouble she had with it, was ridiculous.

My wife also owned a 206cc (2004 until 2009) but had no problems with it all all. Small leaky roof after 4 years was about it I think. Think we were pretty lucky with it as I had heard of many problems with them.

Originally Posted by Ham09

I'm not keen on the styling of the covertible, especially with the roof up. The new Z4 is a much better looking roadster in my opion. The 370z coupe on the other hand, I thinks looks quite good and stands out for all the right reasons. Still going to be a marmite sort of car I suspect.

There's no doubt the coupe is the better looking car over the roadster. And, the Z4 is an overall classier, and prettier, motor but there's something about the Z's that get under your skin. I've owned two now and am hankering after a third. The Z4 is a mighty tempting prospect though I'll admit.

[Boyd1963]

Originally Posted by misterS3

My sis owned a 206CC from new (okay that's a while back) and the amount of trouble she had with it, was ridiculous.

I'd be wary of the RCZ for that reason alone. Stupid it may be considering that was then (and i love Pugs going back to the 104 and 504 days) but i'd be much happier handing over almost £30k to Nissan than Peugeot.

Peugeot have definitely lost their way in the last 15 years. I had a couple (309 and 405) and they were both excellent cars for their time but I'd not be keen on spending almost £30k if it's going to spend all it's time in the garage. Never mind the depreciation!

[rogerxp]

A timely 'end of term' report from Evo...
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evol...508b48fd39855a

Oh, and another remarkably timely head-to-head - 370Z, Z4, TT (sorry Peter )...
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/carg...508b48fd39855a

(for those interested of course )

[EHDEN]

if you like the color...tell them you want a discount for that ugly color. they'll do it cuz that car might sit in their lot for a while or atleast in the US it would