Nissan 350Z (2003-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

The Z-car returned to the UK in 2003 after a 10-year break, and this time around it comes in both two-seater Coupe and Roadster forms, the latter with a neatly-folding powered fabric hood.

But forget the overweight, uninspiring 300ZX: this 350Z (aka 'Fairlady' in other markets) has gone back to the blueprints for the 240Z of 1969: not only does it recall the original in its styling and proportions, it's a lightweight driver's car with sharp handling, a flexible, rev-happy engine and the ability to match far more expensive rivals from more prestigious brands.

The 240Z wasn't known as "the Japanese E-Type" for nothing (it was always a better drive than the Jag anyway), and the 350Z is a credible alternative to the likes of the Audi TT or, in Roadster form, even the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.

The 350Z was sold at launch with a 277bhp 3.5-litre V6, but got a power hike in 2006 to 296bhp, and since mid 2007 is offered with an 80% revised engine with 308bhp. It drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It's a two-seater only, and rear boot space in the Coupe is adequate if not impressive, limited somewhat by a rear brace bar; the Roadster's load space is surprisingly good, despite the need to accommodate the mechanism for the folding canvas hood and tonneau cover.

The only visible difference between the original 350Z and the 2007 model is a slight bulge in the bonnet to account for the taller engine.