Vehicle: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster A7
Price as tested: CDN$56498

Performance: When it comes to performance, you would never be disappointed with any Z. The same goes for its roadster version. VQ37VHR has always been known as the world’s best V6 engine, in Z’s guise, its no different than its coupe silbing. With 24-valve V6 DOHC and Nissan’s variable valve timing technologies called CVVTCS plus variable valve lift on intake valves, it makes this 3.7 liter a very flexible and fun engine. It all began with a peppy low-end torque with 270 lb/ft of torque, which is very healthy amount of torque arrives at 5200rpm. On the other hand, 332 ponies provide plenty of mid and upper ranges. All it delivers without losing all the breath when pushed it on top of the picture. Our tester comes with a 7-speed manumatic gearbox. This manumatic is as good as any manumatic as we have driven, as it matches this VQ37 perfectly thanks to excellent use of gear ratios. It also comes with paddle shifters for driver to down and upshifts. Unfortunately, Z’s paddle shifters don’t mount on the steering wheel. Nissan decided to mount on the column instead of the steering is a stupid move. When you turn the steering wheel, the paddle shifters should move altogether when driver urge to upshift after exiting a corner.

Handling: Z has always been known for balanced dynamic experience, its roadster version doesn’t disappoint. It all begins with a stiff and solid chassis, then mated with a superb-calibrated suspension and a sharp steering. This Z roadster has to be one of the best handling convertibles I have ever driven. The steering is not only sharp, its precise and provide exceptional driver feedback. Even though its sharp and precise, it won’t have all the twitches one expects from a full-out sports car. The same goes for Z’s civilized ride quality, which is comfortable on all the rough roads. The sports suspension absorbs all the patholes and expansion joints with ease. What it returns is a sports car that attacks corners with fun. I meant plenty of fun through the twisties without losing all the civilization. There is minimal body rolls while under and oversteer are minimal. The best of all, Z’s Vehicle Dynamic Control is an uninstrusive type which means it won’t step in unnecessarily. To wrap up Z’s overall dynamic package is the lack of cowl shakes so commonly known in convertible. All feel very solid and well-planted even on railroad tracks.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Z roadster stops as good as it drives. The stopping distance is short and while pedal feels linear. The pedal feels sharp and solid, on the other hand, ABS only steps in necessarily when needed.

Interior: Slip inside the Z roadster, it finally receives all the interior materials and fit-and-finish that it deserves in day 1. Not too long ago, 350Z was infamous for its cheap interior with poor workmanship. The new 370Z comes with nice classy plastic materials with tasteful aluminum trim pieces on the center console. The orange leather sports seats hug both driver and passenger comfortably while attacking corners. It is also a tasteful mix to the rather somber black dashboard.

The trunk space is enough for 2 persons on a weekend trip. No more. No less. However, the antenna on top of the trunk just detract the whole Z’s styling. What a pity.

Conclusion: The new 370Z roadster is not only attractive when it comes to its dynamic abilities, its most attracting factor has to be its price point. There aren’t many roadsters offering the same kind of performance and dynamic capabilities for those priced above, let alone at less than 57 grand. Now that’s what we called bang-for-the-buck.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5