Nissan 370Z Roadster 3.7 V6 GT Pack Auto 2dr Car Review - March 2012

The 370Z Roadster’s 3.7 litre V6 petrol engine generates 323 bhp at 7,000 rpm, while the torque figures stand at 267 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm. This translates into a top speed of 155 mph, while 0-62 mph arrives in 5.8 seconds. The impressive engine provides considerable low and mid-range pull.

It is extremely fun to drive, and with its excellent body control, strong grip and responsive steering, the 370Z has glides through corners with ease. It also benefits from a limited slip differential to keep the car stable when exiting bends. The ride is quite uncomfortable however.

In terms of refinement, the 370Z Roadster could do better. The engine grumbles at low revs and reacts noisily when pushed hard. Road noise is an issue, particularly on bumpy surfaces or in the wet. Wind noise is well-isolated though. A system that makes gearshifts smoother by blipping the throttle when you change down is standard on manual models.

The 370Z Roadster has a suitably sporty and stylish exterior. The interior continues the sporty theme with hooded dials and silver trim. The materials used in the cabin are high-quality and it is well-built.

Every 370Z comes equipped with alloy wheels, electric windows, electric mirrors, powered seats, climate control, keyless start, automatic xenon headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 connectivity. Metallic paint, satellite-navigation and rear-parking sensors are available at extra cost. GT models such as this one boast heated leather and suede seats, a CD changer and cruise control.

The 370Z Roadster has just two seats, but headroom and legroom are plentiful. There are several useful compartments including bins behind the seats. The boot is small though, with boot space totalling just 235 litres.

On the safety front, all models come equipped with six airbags, stability control, powerful brakes and active anti-whiplash head restraints. There is an alarm, immobiliser and locking wheel nuts to deter thieves. The 370Z should not fail to live up to Nissan’s superb reliability record.

The car comes with a three-year warranty or 60,000 miles. It has high running costs and comes under the high-cost road tax band L. It incurs a high insurance premium coming under the insurance bracket of 47. It has poor fuel economy but good green credentials with a Euro 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 254 g/m.

The 370Z is priced at £36,660, which is more expensive than both of its main rivals the Audi TT and Volkswagen Scirocco. It is well-equipped however and resale values are strong due to high demand and limited supply.

The entry-level 370Z V6 is the best option to get the most for your money. It has all the essential kit you need. This model is over £4,000 more and adds plenty of luxuries but offers nothing extra in performance and driving pleasure, which are the factors that matter most with a car like this. Nevertheless it is still a decent prospect for those who want a well-kitted out, sports convertible that is exciting to drive and reliable.

Running costs will be typically high for the class, with CO2 emissions of 254g/km, and insurance premiums will not be cheap either.