Vehicle: 2009 Nissan 370Z Touring Coupe M6 with Sport Pkg and Navigation Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$48133

Handling: Right on the heels of Nissan’s recently launched GT-R, Nissan starts another strike into a more affordable sports car. With the new Z, it shares the same platform as the well-received Infiniti G37, which has always been a good thing to begin with. As this platform is famous for its level of rigidty and stiffness, which is a perfect base for a great sports car. Z continues its tradition of being an entertaining trait thanks to rear-wheel-drive’s perfect 50/50 weight distribution and an excellent suspension calibrations. The result is a sports car that feels every inch a “Nissan Z”. Z’s nimble dynamics and docile character have left nothing but intact in their latest redesign. The result is a sports car that handles like a dream. The steering is sharp and precise with a balanced feel. On the other hand, Z doesn’t feel as uncivilized as its more expensive GT-R silibings when it comes to ride quality. Z rides comfortably thanks to its compliant suspension which absorbs bumps and roughness with ease. Its Teutonic firm but far from being harsh. It is actually a sports car that one can live with it on a daily basis. On the other hand, body rolls are minimal. Oversteer and understeer are easy to control. Not to mention Z’s Vehicle Dynamic Control has done a wonderful job of being uninstrusive, without giving up when driver starts to rear its ugly heads. A very nice package indeed.

Performance: As with its designation suggests, the new Z has upgraded from a 3.5 to 3.7 liter based on the same VQ family. This VQ37VHR is nothing short of amazing when it comes to deliver silky smooth power with refinement and quality to boot. Its latest upgrade of “High Response” has addressed previous VQ’s biggest shortfall, and that’s the lack of top end performance. That’s thanks to Nissan’s advanced variable valve timing system called CVTC. With 332 ponies and 270 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal, Z has brisk response on every rpm. While on low rev, its impressively quick as its 270 lb/ft of torque delivers mostly at 5200rpm. Its the mid-range that is most impressive. Mated to this motor is 6-speed manual gearbox. The throws are short and gates well-defined, on the other hand, the clutch has a perfect bite point. Nissan’s innovative SynchroRevMatch feature has done a good job on matching the right rpm at the perfect gear, which is a godsent when playing heel-and-toeing on the track.

Brakes: Although its sad Nissan has dropped the Brembo brake kit in flavor of OEM ones. Z’s braking performance remains impressive. With its large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Z is able to complete lots of hard braking without any fades. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel solid. The modulation point is easily found. ABS’s intervention also steps in at the right time.

Interior: After years of cheap interior that is filled of hard and nasty plastic pieces, Nissan has gone for a much efforts with latest Z redesign. The result is the interior material quality and workmanship that are finally on par with its competitions and its price tag. There are enough soft-touch plastic on the dashboard with thicker leather for its awesome side and thigh support. The only drawback is the information gauge on the left side of the instrumentation tends to wash out during sunlight.

Conclusion: The new Z will continue Nissan’s tradition of building an affordable sports car that is as capable on track and as civilized on daily driving. With the current Touring that is already walked the outgoing 350Z’s Track Package, just imagine how sweet will the upcoming Track Edition.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Nissan 370Z
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5