Nissan 350Z   Women's view

Despite Its Macho Persona, June Neary Was Sad To See The Back Of Nissans 350Z

Although I love sports cars, I usually go for sporting hatches and convertibles. The more powerful sports models seem a little profligate when you can get more bang for your buck from more manageable models. The Nissan 350Z seemed a little old, school, a little hairy-chested, if you will, for my tastes and to hear the rest of my colleagues banging on about its balanced rear wheel drive handling and powerful six-cylinder engine only confirmed my fears. Despite appreciating its sleek styling, I felt that the 350Z might be a bit macho for its own good.

Practicality isnt a big 350Z plus point, especially when compared to coupe rivals like the Mazda RX-8 and even the Audi TT. For a start there are only two seats. Yes I know the rear seats on a TT are only suitable for tiny children but the RX-8 has at least upped the ante with genuinely usable rear berths. The 350Z not only fails to offer any rear seats whatsoever but the available luggage space that has been freed up by this fact is badly compromised by an enormous strut brace designed to stiffen the chassis.

The luggage bay itself is shallow but space up front is relatively good with plenty of shoulder room for even the biggest drivers.

The fascia and interior design is adventurous and both the ergonomics and the quality of the materials have been enhanced on the latest car. That said, the ambience in the cockpit isnt up with the BMWs and Audis of this world. Nevertheless, its a great place to be with bizarre internal and external door pulls, an instrument cluster that moves with the steering wheel when you adjust it for height and some slickly finished leather work that puts many more expensive cars to shame. The cabin is resolutely sporting with a clock to record your best lap times as well as a switch that can disable the ESP stability control if you really want to get lairy with the cars handling.

Although it never approaches the almost sickening accelerative punch of Nissans old supercar, the Skyline, the 350Zs engine nevertheless has the ability to punt that pretty profile up the road with considerable verve. Think rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and 155mph. Thats quick thinking.

In reality, the 350Z rarely feels that fast, the broad spread of torque and the supple ride making indecent figures on the speedometer feel remarkably easy. UK cars benefit from a few modifications especially for the domestic market such as a larger fuel tank and a bigger radiator, largely due to the fact that we drive further and faster than our transatlantic cousins. We also get Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels and standard Electronic Stability Programme, presumably because our faster driving occasionally results in unintended off road excursions. ESP does a great job at keeping the 350Z on the straight and narrow should you get a little overenthusiastic with the loud pedal, but should you really excel yourself, youll be reassured that there are not only twin, front and side airbags but curtain bags as well.

Impressive stuff.

The price is almost as aggressive as the styling. Pitched at £26,795 for the standard car, with GT versions adding another £2,500 to those prices, its not an outright bargain but with 309bhp under its bonnet of the current model it makes 247bhp worth of Audi TT (over £29,000) appear an exercise in wilful ostentation. In terms of bhp per pound, the 350Z looks extremely good value. Theres also a Roadster version priced from £28,295.

That keen price tag doesnt mean youll want for convenience features. The 350Z is fitted with electronic climate control, an integrated hands free phone system, a trip computer, a 160W radio and 6-shot CD changer, plus an alarm and electrically heated and folding door mirrors. Stump up the extra £2,500 for the GT Pack and youll also get black leather sports seats that are heated and electrically adjustable, cruise control, and a 240W Bose stereo system powerful enough to act as a defibrillator.

My neighbours may not have appreciated the 350Zs exhaust and engine note when I fired it up in the morning but there are few more satisfying ways of alleviating the boredom of the daily commute. Taking the long route becomes irresistible in the Nissan and it never failed to put a smile on my face when I caught sight of it sitting outside the office. Its a real feel-good car and if I had another car with a little more space to act as a workhorse, the 350Z would suit me just fine. For many customers however, the added day-to-day practicality of close rivals may well see the 350Z struck from their shortlists.

They dont know what theyre missing out on.