At first glance, the Nissan 350Z certainly looks the sports coupé part – wholly impractical, unless you’re willing to shove your pooch into the purse-sized compartment behind the passenger seat, but its lines are flattering from almost any angle and the Zee’s overall design is wearing quite well.
The range was recently revised with some adjustments to the front bumpers and the front and rear lamps. Most changes have been effected within the cabin, where genuine aluminium trim is used throughout and soft-touch plastics have been fitted across the facia for a more upmarket look and feel.
On the road, the updates to the 3,5-litre V6’s camshaft and variable valve settings, which contribute to an increase in power output from 206 to 216 kW and a drop in peak torque from 363 to 350 N.m, are largely undetectable. Despite that, the 350Z is nevertheless just as fun to drive as before.
When you turn the 350Z’s ignition key, the V6 wedged in the sports coupé’s engine bay immediately growls its intentions. And while the gearshift is a bit notchy, it’s very precise and most effective when used in anger. Whip it into third and the snarling Z tucks up its haunches and attacks with gusto.
The rear-wheel drive beast pounces on – and tears out of – corners with great balance, zero fuss, and just enough protest from the tyres. And when you and the Zee negotiate your favourite set of bends and come up behind an old boy doing 60 km/h in his museum piece, the brakes work well too.
