Nissan 350Z Coupe Track

HerCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Nissan 350Z Track Manual $69,990* Other models priced from: Coupe Touring from $64,990* HerCar 3 word summary: Instant chest hair

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HerCar Review

It doesn't take much to bring out the boy-racer in me. I long for a great sounding exhaust - one that is deep and throaty like an Underbelly villain - and I prefer a short, slick manual gearbox that changes in a heartbeat. I love an involved, energetic drive and take joy in putting my foot to the floor at any given opportunity. Bring it on. The Nissan 350Z ticked all these boxes and had me wanting more. Maybe it was on account of its broad, muscular body or the obvious power that lies beneath, but there was something I found really appealing about this car despite its impractical, anti-social characteristics. There's nothing family, feminine or versatile abut the 350Z, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time driving this car. I wish one of my good friends owned one so I could borrow it on occasion.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

It's almost slightly daunting as you lower yourself into the firm, contoured seats of the Nissan 350Z. This car has a serious performance edge about it - as if to suggest that only experienced, agile drivers should approach, and it's probably right. The low seats, cavernous cockpit style cabin and needy manual transmission could be described as comfortable, at a stretch. It does, however, include some nice creature comforts, like heated seats, a multi-function wheel and cruise control.

Forward and side visibility is very good, but very large rear pillars create some large blind spots. Despite a rather small rear window, rear visibility is not too bad.

With a 3.5 litre, V6 engine, on road performance is fast and powerful. There's no questioning this car's credentials in this regard. Handling was smooth, confident and responsive, delivering a lovely flat ride that hugs the road. The engine noise can get a little loud in the cabin.

The 350Z interior is a bit of a mixed bag - it reminded me of an 80's boom box. You know, the sort that the hard core bogans carried on their shoulders at the beach - lots of buttons and dials to impress.  The Bose audio system has a six-stack CD changer and a cassette player, but no modern iPod/MP3 functionality. Maybe they're targeting loyal baby boomer blokes who still own their original AC/DC cassettes?

Safety

A full suite of airbags - front, side and curtain - compliment Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control with  ABS and traction control. Its high level of safety features are well suited to its performance ability.

Storage

Albeit a cosy cabin, Nissan has done a fine job of maximising every little bit of space at hand. Each door has a small storage hole, there are small storage slots to the side of the seats, there's a good centre box, a dash lid box, great centre console for coins or cards, a glasses holder in the roof and there are two very handy storage boxes located behind each of the seats.  These boxes are well concealed - the one behind the passenger is lockable.

The boot was also surprisingly spacious, although the sloping hatch does limit the load height.  Nissan states that you can fit two sets of golf clubs in the rear. You could certainly fit a big suit case, plus more. I took this car away for the weekend and loaded a heap of luggage without any problems. Four anchor points in the boot also allow you to secure your load quite easily.  With a big glass hatch; however, your load is on full display.

Kids' Comfort

What kids?

Green Factor

Not surprising, the 350Z is not the most economical vehicle. It rates only three stars in the Green Vehicle Guide and a greenhouse rating of 4.5 out of 10.  Then again, it doesn't even try to sell itself on its eco features.

Overall View

Don't be put off by its muscle-car looks. If you enjoy a spirited drive, give this car a go. I think the overall package is probably well suited to the low maintenance driving enthusiast. If you're looking for an air of luxury or the latest in-car tech/gadgetry, keep looking.

Test Drive Tips

Watch your speed, as it's easy to get carried away, quickly!

Test it in a range of driving conditions - suburbs, freeway, shopping car parks.

If you're considering buying this car you might also like to test drive the Mazda RX8 or Audi TT.

Features of model Reviewed

* Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. This information is provided by greenvehicleguide.gov.au.  Click here for more information.

Information is correct at the time of the review.  Please check with your local dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: December 2008

Reviewed By: Nadine Armstrong