Tuesday 13th March 2018

2019 Nissan 370Z | UK Review

Can the big Zed still entertain nearly a decade after launch? Sort of...

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In the 15 years since Nissan brought a Z-car back to the UK - after an absence of nearly as long - there have been just two models: the 370Z as you see here, and its 350Z predecessor. Given the rapid rate of progress in the 21st century automotive world, to have a pair of such similar cars on sale for so long looks brave. Since 2003 the 350 and 370 have most certainly found their fans in Britain, as well as those less keen on their Japanese muscle car approach, but there's no denying the established presence of both in our sports car landscape. As the Mazda RX-8, BMW Z4 Coupe and Vauxhall Monaro have fallen by the wayside, so the V6 Nissan has soldiered on. What the future holds for Nissan's Z family remains unclear, though one thing is for certain: any replacement for this car will be significantly different to both it and the original 350.

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?

The engine frankly feels a bit daft in a contemporary context, and the better for it actually. This V6 is just 103cc smaller than the V8 you'll find in McLaren's Sport Series cars, it's more than twice the size of the four-cylinders in the Alfa 4C and Alpine A110 and it's a full 1.8-litres - or an entry-level Audi TT - larger than a Porsche 718's flat-four. Madness.

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.

It even sounds better than 370s of old, the noise now more turbo-less GT-R rather than the strangled Murano it once resembled. The six-speed gearbox is good enough without being remarkable, and that new clutch has probably made the process a little less recalcitrant. Or it might not have. Funny how being told something is new will convince you of an improvement.

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.

The trouble comes, as anyone who has followed the 370Z's history will know, when you actually attempt to drive it like a sports car. For something with such a promising basic formula, the end result remains underwhelming as a driver's car. And for those citing weight as a reason, its kerbweight is comparable to an Alfa Giulia. Or a 911. Or a Focus RS, even.

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.

A lack of focus should be a frustrating irk, if not a critical issue, for the 370Z, but there's a bigger concern beyond the problems it creates for itself: the rivals on offer at the same money. If you want to just go fast in something rare that doesn't look like anything else, a V8 Ford Mustang is now available in right-hand drive. A GT86 may look puny by comparison but it's tangibly more enjoyable to drive. Hot hatches are more capable than they've ever been. These are all competitors that just didn't exist in 2009, and all expose weaknesses in the 370Z package somewhere - even allowing for the discounts from list price that will be on offer.

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)

[David87]

An odd car, the 370Z. I always preferred the earlier 350Z and by the amount of each I see on the road even now, the sales figures would seem to agree.

[cerb4.5lee]

Always liked these and I really enjoyed the test drive I had in a 350z, fair play to Nissan for sticking with it for so long because it certainly is an odd ball in this day and age.

[richs2891]

Have to agree with OP, its an odd car, its one I would have though I would like to own / drive, as it has got all the basic bits, manual, RWD, large capacity engine. Had both 350 and 370 on an extended test but both models I have though where just nothing special at all. Shame really.

[goldstar500]

I have been looking at a cheap weekend fun car and a 2011 plate for approx £10-£11k is in my mind a bit of a bargain but £30k+ for a new one is more than i would want to pay.

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..

[Summit_Detailing]

Who knew Nissan still made/sold these!?

The competition has moved on significantly and this has has been left behind in my eyes.

I can't remember the last time I saw one on the road, it would be interesting to see how many were registered last year compared to its rivals.

Chris

[TaylotS2K]

Externally, I've always loved the look of these. Barring the infotainment screen the interior looks so dated, which lets it down imo.

[Jual Mass Flywheel]

Bit of an odd ball and not from Germany. What's not to like?

[TrickyTrevM5]

A bit of a unicorn for me – don’t see many of these on the road, but the reason they still make them is the formula.

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.

[J4CKO]

They have only ever sold just over 2000 of them, they arrived slap bang in the reign of the diesel, four or five times more 350Zs were sold.

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.

[daddy cool]

Test drove a 2016 NISMO 370Z recently - loved it. Looks awesome, sounds great, goes like stink, the rev-match feature makes pedestrians think I know how to heel&toe, and we should embrace these last few big-capacity NA engines that are within the reach of the common man. My heart said "buy 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.

[MrGeoff]

I've owned both a 350z and a 370z, one after the other. There is something so analogue and unrefined about them, it's almost a glimpse in to the past, not out and out sports cars out of the box but a few tweaks vastly improve them. Surprised Nissan still make them as well and that's not to say that they shouldn't, I applaud them for doing so. However, as a weekend toy I sold my 370z a little over 3 years ago, sat on the money for a while and purchased a CSL. I'm still not ready to fully embrace the 21st century. There is something charming and charismatic about naturally aspirated engines.

[sidekickdmr]

Same as Geoff above, I've had both a 350Z and 370Z and loved them both, although handy they are not at home on a track, but it's such effortless grunt all through the rev range, a great noise, good size and rare/different, and for that reason I keep looking back at them.

[Lofty999]

350z without doubt the best car for useable fun and value for money that I've ever owned.Lucky enough to have had an s1 Elise and now have a noble m12(part ex the 350 for it))and an f430.Noble is great fun,430 not really for me,350 did it all!

[Jimmy Recard]

One of my favourite cars available new at the moment. Pity I’m just not in the market for a car because I have a feeling in five years time I’ll look back and wish I’d had one

[wab172uk]

I bought a new 370Z Gt when they came out. It was a good car, but sadly I didn't use it as much as I should have.

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 .......

[Krikkit]

I know it's a bit like apples and oranges, but I'd have a V8 Mustang over this. It just seems to lack that certain something that makes it special.

[muppet42]

I've always preferred the look of the 350z with its longer wheelbase and simpler design, especially the face-lift with the improved engine, bonnet bulge and nicer lights. However this MY18 version of the 370z doesn't look all that bad and rectifies or at least improves some of the aesthetic iffiness I felt was present in previous iterations. The most recent Nismo version looks rather decent in my eyes too...



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.

[NigelCayless]

I had a black edition 370z from new in 2010. Was a nice car. Agree with all the comments about the handling, especially when compared to my current 997 which feels much lighter and more agile even though there can't be much difference in weight between the two.

[chrismoose91]

I'm slightly biased because I have one.
Slightly modified but still oem looking.

It may be a bit heavy and not as quick as a hot hatch of today, but the noise is unreal!

It still makes me grin every time I go out in it!

[cjm]

Odd how people are saying its old tech and things have moved on then everyone seems to also complain about new cars switching from manuals to dual clutch gearboxes and from NA to turbocharged...