Nissan's new Z-car comes to Europe

Nissan had the unenviable task of replacing its 350Z. Here was a car that captured the hearts of thousands of car nuts around the globe with its lively rear-wheel drive chassis and big-chested V6 engine. Can the new 370Z really move the game forward?

What's all the fuss about?

There's always a lot of buzz surrounding the arrival of a new Nissan Z-car. Ever since the Datsun 240Z, buyers have realised what good value for money the Japanese coupés offer and that's a key attribute of the new 370Z, making its European debut at the Geneva Show this week (March 3rd).

Anything that stands out?

How remarkably different the 370Z is to the 350Z - when you see it in the metal for the first time. The 370Z drew the crowds onto Nissan's stand in Geneva with its new boomerang-style lights front and rear and that impossibly raked rear window. Get close and you'll notice myriad detail changes too, such as those neat Z badges on the front wings that double up as indicators. Inside, the 370Z is of noticeably higher quality than before too.

When can I buy one?

Very soon! Pre-ordering actually began online on February 2nd, though first deliveries are not due until about July. Despite improvements all-round, prices haven't really budged, with the entry-level model starting at £26,895. The GT Pack model costs £30,195, while the loaded GT Ultimate comes in at £31,895. Nissan will offer an automatic on the 370Z in the UK (it didn't in the 350Z), though it promises to be an impressively sporting unit, with seven-speeds and 'Downshift Rev Matching' to maintain the car's sporting character.

Shane O' Donoghue