Despite having been on sale for over a decade, the 370Z still looks relatively fresh, and the 2020 facelift brought subtle changes on this timeless sports car.
The Nissan 370Z is a sporty coupè that provides more of an old-school feel than alternatives such as the Porsche Cayman, Toyota GT86 and BMW 2 Series. Those muscular, aggressive looks mean it stands out from those more understated alternatives.
It’s very different inside too, but not in a good way: the Nissan 370Z is really showing its age. Not only are the materials of lower quality than what you’ll find in, say, an Audi TT- the mix of different shapes and dated displays means the Nissan’s design isn’t as classy as it’s rivals now.
Exterior:
The 370Z's design is almost identical to that of its predecessor, the 350Z, which was introduced about 20 years ago, and the shape of this Nissan sports car has become legendary. The 2021 Nissan 370Z hasn't altered much, but the new headlights and taillights, as well as the redesigned rear fascia from the 2018 refresh, make it seem as sharp as ever.
Interior:
As you sit inside the 370Z, you can sense a return to simpler times, with driver enjoyment at the top of the priority list. The interior of the 370Z offers the basic features that most modern cars should have, but not much else, from the simplified dashboard design to the spread of analog buttons.
The seating position is really good. I like the angle and the fact that there was plenty of adjustment available and the space is well put together and the controls are logically arranged. The the seats are bolstered enough to be supportive when tossing the car through turns. Racier NISMO models come with all the goodies, including leather- and faux-suede Recaro sport seats, and a special NISMO-branded tachometer.
Engine and Performance:
Now this is where the 370Z comes alive, the 3.7L V6 engine produces 332 HP and 363 Nm of Torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and sends all the power to the rear wheels.
So what’s it like to drive? Well, the 370Z goes about its business, with plenty of part-throttle response and urgency. The steering responds with encouraging immediacy: a roll of the wrists is all that’s needed to peel into fast- and medium-speed corners. In essence, the 370Z feels like a large muscle car that requires a lot of effort to get the most out of. And, if you want that kind of car, the good news is that the 370Z has just the correct engine.
The brakes and suspension inspire confidence without being overly nervous. The smooth power band of the engine mean there are no major surprises from liberal a use of the throttle.
Overall, the package works well across a variety of roads, but I personally would like it to challenge me more as a driver. The 370Z is best enjoyed by experienced drivers who like to feel highly connected to the car. If among the people who complain about new sports cars lacking feel and driver involvement, the 370Z might be your perfect car.
Space and Practicality:
The 370Z features a hatch-style liftgate which in theory should add to its daily practicality, it’s sloping rear hatch and suspension placement negate any benefit; it actually makes the rear cargo space a hassle, and renders most of the space at the rear end unusable. Small-item storage is severely limited by an already tight interior.
There's a cupholder, a center console that offers barely enough space for a cellphone and the extra storage compartments behind the seats don't offer much. But Nissan does give you a small cubby where the navigation screen would live.
Verdict:
‘If you want some old-school fun, the 370Z could be the car for you. Its performance still impresses, and it’s competitively priced.’
The 370Z is such an honest, old world kind of sports car that it’s almost impossible for us, as enthusiasts, not to be drawn to its many charms. It is so obviously geared towards entertaining its driver that it’s easy to overlook its one or two flaws.
There’s no denying the Nissan 370Z is getting a bit long in the tooth, but it offers exceptionally good value for money, serving up a simple, straightforward blend of good looks, muscular performance, fine build quality and generous equipment for a relatively modest amount of money.
This last version serves as a timely reminder that a muscular front-engined, rear-drive coupe is a recipe with enduring appeal. The 370Z remains one of the more beguiling sports cars you can buy, and we wouldn’t blame you if you did.
Price:
370Z Premium M/T: ₱ 2,779,000
370Z Premium A/T: ₱ 2,879,000
370Z NISMO: ₱ 3,599,000
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