2019 Nissan 370Z | UK Review
Can the big Zed still entertain nearly a decade after launch? Sort of...
Because, let's face it, cars a with large, naturally aspirated V6, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive are not long for this world. The 2018 model year may have introduced a new clutch to the 370 (as well as this jazzy red paint and wheel design), but fundamentally the package has remained the same since its introduction in the previous decade: 328hp, 3.7-litre V6, six-speed manual gearbox, somewhere around 1,500kg and 155mph, passing 62mph after 5.3 seconds. In 2018 it looks about as modern as a PlayStation 2: potentially still quite enjoyable years after launch, but with a suspicion that newer tech would be more fun. Or could it be that the Zed now represents the traditional, authentic sports car experience that so many crave?
And yet, because they all rely on turbocharging, to embrace the Nissan's naturally aspirated throttle response, linearity and predictability is as welcoming as the comfy seat in front of your Nan's fire. It's as simple, as pleasing and as rewarding as it was 15 years ago, and will most likely continue to be, even as so much of the rest of the world changes. That capacity means the Zed will haul from barely any revs at all, power building and building with real intent beyond the naughty side of 7,000rpm. There's no delay, no spike of boost and no sense of everything being in the mid-range - modern turbos are good, but there's still a lot to be said for an atmospheric engine in a sports car.
The 370's has never been the most inspiring of powertrains, but heck does it remain potent. Even with gears longer than ideal the car romps along the road, pulling hard through every gear and every rev. Indeed on A-roads or larger B-roads the Nissan is entirely pleasant company as you revel in that pace, heel-and-toe your own downshifts (or use the very smart rev-match system), feel a bit of rear-wheel drive-ness on the exit of bends and generally embrace a more simple sports car approach. Traction control is on or off, the rev match is on or off and, well, that's about your lot.
When pushed the Z feels clumsy, vague and a bit scrappy, the body control that felt acceptable at lower speeds becoming loose and unsettling. Even with the traction control off something still intervenes which, when combined with the erratic behaviour of the limited-slip diff - which doesn't always seem that keen on locking - can make cornering a disjointed, awkward, unpleasant experience. It never feels entirely in control of itself when you want to drive more quickly, which inevitably means you back off and revert to that more relaxed gait where both car and driver feel more comfortable.
Yet, despite its problems - don't forget this is a one-star car for the judging panel at What Car? - there's a boisterousness and a charm that makes the 370Z quite likeable. It always has been a bit of a bruiser and will continue to be so until the day it dies, whatever piecemeal tweaks are thrown at it. However, as has surely been discussed numerous times, if every car set out to achieve the same objective then the automotive world would be far duller. This one could never be mistaken for anything other than a 370Z, and diversity in the face of continued conformity to a dreary norm should be celebrated. If another Zed car can retain this one's slightly coarse appeal, while introducing a level of dynamism that could broaden its audience, then the future will be bright for Nissan's iconic badge.
Inspired? Search for a used Nissan 370 in the classifieds
NISSAN 370Z MY18 - Specifications | |
---|---|
Engine | 3,696cc, V6 |
Transmission | 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive |
Power (hp) | 328@7,000rpm |
Torque (lb ft) | 268@5,200rpm |
0-62mph | 5.3 sec |
Top speed | 155mph |
Weight | 1,496kg |
MPG | 26.6 |
CO2 | 248g/km |
Price | £34,285( as tested £34,860 comprising £575 for Infra Red metallic paint) |
I prefer the looks of the 370z over the 350z and with my 928s now sold i have a large engine coupe sized hole in my garage,just waiting for something local and mint to pop up..
Only ever had a rush test drive a few years ago but i am a fan..
Not as fast as some peers, not as impressive on the interior, looks are not for everyone, etc. a bit like an S2000 or a type R. They have their followers and people who love them.
BUT… the engine has plenty of poke in the real world and has a lovely linear delivery of its power, plus the exhaust gives a lovely evocative noise to those inside and those around – a lovely baritone V6 blare to enjoy across the rev range – no values, no engineered sound, not turbo waste gates to ruin it etc…
Its rear drive and well balanced and the steering is pretty good from what I recall.
Following the 350Z was always a tough act to follow but a 2 seater normally aspirated V6 coupe for less than 35k? Good value (if you want the above) a 2-3 yr old one will look identical, pretty much, and will cost a lot less. Probably a shrewd alternative to new.
I suppose when they finally kill the 370 off, its kind of a bit like that old TV personality you liked at the time and hadnt thought of for ages, then feeling a pang of nostalgic grief when their passing is announced on TV, you were never going to watch them again, well not doing anything new but it was kind of reassuring thinkign they were still out there, same with the Z, never going to buy one but I like the fact it exists as an option.
I did have a 350Z, I liked it, but never really loved it.
Sadly my head ruled... it drinks like a fish, its wildly impractical (not even pretend rear seats, and a very shallow rear boot that couldn't accommodate a bicycle). The interior appealed to the boy racer in me, and the (NISMO) seats were fantastic, but you couldn't call it as classy interior really. Ive ended up buying a TTS, arguably the boring/safe choice, but if I could have both I would.
Good points.
Rev-match was fantastic, and a nice short throw gearbox.
V6 Engine. A bit gruff higher up the rev range, but still pulled like a train.
Looks good
Strong brakes
Bad points
Lack of reach adjustment on the steering column. Was never really sat as I wanted to be.
I had the early infortainment system, which lacked Ipod connectivity with the system.
Over sensitive traction control
Overall it was a great car. Plenty of fun in the wet. In the dry it was better to switch off the traction control. Never bit, but it helped the car flow over bumpy roads. For me the car (due to it's weight and big engine up front) felt more like a sporty GT car, rather than an out and out sports car.
I regret not driving it much, and sold it after 2 years with about 8000 miles on it. But bought a manual R8 V8 to replace it, so silver linings and all that .......
It doesn't make much sense in this day and age - it's not refined, it costs more to run than it's competitors who also outperform it in almost every degree. But when it's gone and been replaced with a turbo 4-cylinder, I'm sure people will lament it's passing.
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