Overall rating:

Bolder looks, more focused suspension and an equipment list that wants for nothing, the new 370Z Nismo isn't without appeal for some, but it's not for everyone.

Key Facts

Pricing: £36,995
Engine: 3.7-litre V6 petrol
Transmission: rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Audi TT, BMW Z4, Porsche Cayman
CO₂ emissions: 248g/km
Combined economy: 26.7mpg
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Power: 344hp at 7,400rpm
Torque: 371Nm at 5,200rpm

In the Metal:

It would be easy to pour scorn on the 370Z Nismo for its over the top looks, but there's an amusing almost-Manga style to the body kit, which not only ensures you'll be noticed more readily, but improves the Nismo's high-speed stability. The boot mounted spoiler and sizeable tailpipes dominate the rear, while the bumper has a grey contrasting lower portion that runs around the entire bottom of the car. It adds 15cm to the 370Z's length, jutting out confidently up front. The Z is also wider thanks to wheel arch extenders and a wider rear wheel - by half an inch.

The interior gains the usual mix of red highlighting, tactile Alcantara and a numbered plaque that's the norm in range-topping sports machines, it adding some appeal to the otherwise predominantly black cabin. It's not exactly premium in quality inside, but then it makes up for it in other areas.

Driving it:

For all the 370Z's faults the surfeit of power it's offered in comparison to its premium rivals has helped its cause no end. So much so Nissan's been resolute in keeping its power the same, so the Z's only change since its 2009 introduction is to its suspension. With the addition of the Nismo model that changes though, the power being upped to 344hp, which might sound good, but in reality it only represents a 16hp increase. It's achieved by some digital, rather than mechanical, fettling, the Nismo's ECU was worked on - though Nismo's people claim that the bespoke exhaust system also plays a part.

What that exhaust doesn't really do is increase the Z's aural appeal, as the sounds in the cabin are still predominantly from the engine bay. It's not always the nicest noise either, the Z's V6 not the smoothest - that also evident by the vibrations inside. It's quick though, 0.1 seconds quicker than before in fact, the Nismo model achieving a 5.2-second 0-62mph time, though it feels little different on the road.

Admirably, Nismo only offers its interpretation of the Z with a manual transmission, the heavy-to-use six-speeder needing a forceful shove but pleasing with its mechanical feel. It's a challenge to drive smoothly, and if bought as an everyday machine then it's likely you'll tire of the noise and demands it puts upon you.

Where the biggest changes have been made are to the chassis. Five braces stiffen up the Nismo's structure and the spring and damper rates are also all more focused. You might expect that to translate to a more compromised ride, but the Z's composure is impressive, even when travelling over the sort of tarmac that has you wincing in anticipation - unnecessarily, it transpires. Grip levels are good, though as ever the rear is as mobile as you want it to be depending on how forceful you are with the accelerator. Nonetheless, the Z is a fairly benign machine up to and over its levels of grip and traction. The steering feels a touch more alert, but gains little in feel, while the brakes, which feature GT-R-derived hoses and fluid, come with a shorter pedal movement and are very impressive in their force and feel.

What you get for your Money:

On a pure kit count the Nismo is difficult to match, coming with satnav, a rear-view camera, iPod connection, climate control and everything else you could ask for. Indeed, the only option is the colour - one of three - which are all metallic. What you don't get, and arguably it's what the Nismo needs - is a big boost in power and a more bombastic soundtrack, it feeling too much like a trim level rather than a credible, focused, high performance offering above the standard cars, which, with recent price reductions, sees the standard manual 370Z (albeit it less well equipped) available for £10,000 less.

Worth Noting

Despite the increase in power, and that downforce adding body kit, the Nismo 370Z is able to return the same economy and CO₂ figures as its regular relations. Like them it still features rev-shift too, which delivers an electronic heel and toe like throttle blip on downshifts.

Summary

Nissan's 370Z remains an anomalous performance machine bridging the gap between the lesser-output mainstream cars and the premium level competition. At its most basic it over-delivers, but at this level it's getting too close to German rivals that offer greater finesse, even if they're not able to back it up with the firepower and equipment count of the Japanese contender. The Nismo model is a niche machine that's better than before so it'll appeal to those attracted to the Z already, without necessarily bringing new customers into the Nissan showrooms.