Category: Affordable Sports 
Price Range: £26,900 to £31,900
Great engine, responsive and involving drive, Synchro Rev Match system is a touch of genius.
Small boot, restricted visibility.
Fantastic driving experience, loads of character, a natural successor to the 350Z.
The 370Z is all about the driving experience, and the most obvious difference between it and the previous generation is that the wild streak has been reeled in a little. There's more power: a 26bhp increase takes it to 332bhp but where the 350Z was a notoriously lairy hooligan the 370Z feels more sophisticated.
There are a number of reasons why the 370Z delivers that extra power in a more disciplined way. Firstly, the uprated engine features a smoother torque curve with its peak at 500rpm below the 7500rpm redline.
Secondly, the ingenious Synchro Rev Match system operates like an automatic heel and toe delivery system. It can be switched off, but when racing the 370Z around the peaks of California it was impossible to tire of throttle blip between changes that not only sounds superb, but ensures the cogs mash smoothly. Although more noticeable in the manual, it enhances the shift of the sharp paddle shift auto, too.
Thirdly, huge efforts have been paid to stiffen up the chassis and tighten up the tolerances. That means, while there's plenty of feedback through the steering, gearlever and even pedals, most of that tell-tale lateral movement has been removed. The track is wider and the car lower and lighter.
Revised dampers and suspension geometry at the front and rear means the 370Z offers sharper and flatter cornering. It's composed but you can still put the tail out if you want.
The driving experience is tempered by visibility issues, however. Although there's now a better line of sight straight out of the rear hatch, the rear quarter line of sight is restricted by the huge C-pillars. That's a minor inconvenience, but more frustrating is the chunky A-pillar base that can block the view into a corner. If you like to sit low in the car, the large door mirrors are awkwardly positioned too - hindering the view further.
That's a shame, because Nissan's attempts to make the 370Z a driver-focused experience are evident and successful thanks to the addition of a floor-hinged throttle pedal and beautifully weighted steering.
