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Nissan 350Z Convertible V6 309bhp

For:
Roadster has all the virtues of the 350Z coupe - barrel-loads of poke and a thrill-a-minute driving experience - while adding roof-down appeal.

Against:
Limited practicality and high running costs.



Performance

The Roadster has the same 309bhp V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission as the coupe, but it's dragging an extra 150 kilos along as a result of the body-stiffening measures. That's hardly a problem for such a strong engine, and any performance loss is virtually undetectable. The gearchange is firm and can be awkward.

Ride & handling

The extra weight pays for itself when you take to imperfect or twisting roads. The coupe's chassis stiffness and steering feel have been retained, yet the roadster still rides bumps well. If there's any criticism to be levelled at the 350Z, it's that it lacks the ultimate agility of the best sporting coupés and roadsters.

Refinement

If you're interested in the 350Z roadster, you can forget about the quiet life. You get to hear the snorting exhaust note without it being muffled by bodywork and soundproofing, but you're also party to too much road noise at times. Buffeting is well contained, though, thanks to the snug driving position and effective glass wind blocker behind the seats.

Buying & owning

With a hefty price premium over the coupe, this is likely to be a rarer car and match the coupé's strong resale values. That will be some compensation for running costs that will be straight out of the top drawer.

Quality & reliability

The 350Z has an appealing cabin, but not all the plastics - or the way they slot together - are up to Audi standards. Still, the roof looks sturdy, and its furling and unfurling mechanism seems well engineered. Mechanically, we have no reason to assume the car will be anything other than bulletproof.

Safety & security

Canvas roofs are inevitably easier targets than metal ones for thieves, and it's a concern that there's so little boot space or in-car storage space for valuables. There's a full set of airbags on board along with electronic traction and anti-lock braking devices. Roll-over hoops behind the seats offer extra protection in the event of a crash.

Behind the wheel

The low-slung driver's seat provides plenty of support, and the main bank of instruments moves in unison with the steering column to ensure you retain a clear sight of them. The stubby gearlever could be smoother and lighter in operation, and top-up visibility is worse than in the coupe.

Space & practicality

The 350Z is is roomy enough for a couple of lanky adults, even with the roof in place. However, they had better learn to travel light, for the coupé's already unimpressive boot space has been halved to make space for the roof to fold away under its flush metal cover. The soft roof folds electrically in 20 seconds. All the driver has to do is hold down a button.

Equipment

Equipment levels are similar to those on the coupe. The convertible comes with air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD changer, alloy wheels and electric windows as standard. GT-spec adds heated leather seats, cruise control and an upgraded stereo for an extra £2500.

Running Costs

Town mpg

16.6

Out of Town mpg

30.7

Average mpg

23.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

17.6

CO2 Rating (g/km)

288

Insurance Group

19

Typical Insurance Quote

£877

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

46

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£584

Pence Per Mile

68.33

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1513

Servicing Intervals

1yr/9000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 6yr Perforation + 1yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Open

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2

Engine (cc/type)

3498/V6

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

309/6800

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Rear

Length (mm)

4315

Width (mm)

1815

Height (mm)

1330

Boot Space (min ltr)

130

Boot Space (max ltr)

N/A

Turning Circle (m)

11.3

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

1624

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