HISTORIC INSPIRATION

Combining the best features from five decades of iconic cars, the new Zed has already been lauded as a modern classic

Look no further than Top Gun’s reincarnation to prove what’s old can be given a modern twist without ruining the legacy. Following a quiet year, Nissan is in the midst of a new model onslaught with the ‘Z’ coupe leading the charge.

Fans have already flocked to the nostalgic release that draws inspiration from five decades of cool coupes – which started with the Datsun 240Z in 1969. The top-shelf Z Proto limited edition sold out before customers even had a chance to drive them and those keen for a standard model can “join the queue” with an asking price of about $80,000.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Brilliant looks. Sitting in the garage, the Z was beautiful standing still.

GRANT: The Z has been hailed a stunner around the world. It borrows design cues from bygone eras, but it has come together cohesively.

KEL: It was certainly an attention-grabber. GRANT: During my first drive through traffic, three blokes across a truck bench seat were pumped to see the Z in the metal. One was filming, the driver hanging out the window just to give me the thumbs up.

KEL: That’s a little intense. I certainly understand it’s a good looking car, but that kind of a reaction surprises me.

GRANT: These are the cars which evoke passion and memories. Nissan calls them “Zenthusiasts” and they love every inch of this new offering.

KEL: Inside has some nice features, with a combination of leather and suede trim, while in the centre stack is an eight-inch touchscreen.

GRANT: The sporty touches come via the three analogue gauges featuring voltage, boost and turbo fan speed which sit atop the dash, along with the obligatory sports steering wheel and pedals, along with two figurehugging seats.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Some of the functionality felt somewhat old-school, but it was refreshing to get into a vehicle where the dials and operations were straightforward and easy to navigate.

GRANT: There’s nothing hidden within the primary screen, all aircon controls are available on the dash. It also has USB-C and USB-A options for phone charging and system access. KEL: Sports cars can be challenging for entry and exit, but while the Z is low it doesn’t have massive side seat bolsters which are always a battle for skirt-wearers. The boot space was too small for the weekly grocery shop, but it makes sense as this isn’t a family wagon.

GRANT: There is about 260 litres of thin space so softbags would be the best option for weekends away. A child seat anchorage point is available so while there are only two seats it’s not confined to adults.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Hard plastics across the console were disappointing, while using both cup holders is awkward with one hidden in the console. GRANT: A lot of the attention was spent on the dynamics and looks with the tech within seemingly left behind. The Nissan infotainment system is clunky, although having the smartphone mirroring for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay addresses some of the shortcomings.

KEL: When I pressed the start button, I had greater expectations for a rorty exhaust.

GRANT: Modern restrictions play a part in that, although I agree: the exhaust soundtrack feels subdued and doesn’t match the persona. KEL: Rear vision wasn’t amazing and I had to rely on the camera coming out of our driveway.

GRANT: Yep, you can’t see a thing when trying to peer over your shoulder. Luckily the Z also has some good safety kit, including front and rear parking sensors, along with rear cross traffic alert.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: There was nothing missing when it came to acceleration. One prod and it lives up to the hype.

GRANT: While Nissan hasn’t released any official figures, it’s definitely in the sub fiveseconds to 100km/h club. The auto is slightly quicker than the manual.

KEL: It’s not as hard-edged as I was expecting. Perhaps that’s because the engine doesn’t roar, bang and crackle.

GRANT: The same engineer who delivered us Godzilla, the GT-R, is responsible for the Z, although this was designed to be more palatable rather than a hardcore track car. The twin-turbo V6 still has a savage side, the steering is sharp, but the suspension is more suited to daily driving.

KEL: Driving both the auto and the manual, I preferred the self-shifter for the ease of operation.

GRANT: While I’m typically a manual fan in these cars, I also think the auto is better in this instance. I’d appreciate shorter throws between cogs with the six-speed manual, whereas using the paddles in the auto was snappier. Probably an indication of the market, more than 70 per cent of those sold have opted for the manual. KEL: Those brakes were strong and it sat nicely on the road.

GRANT: Wearing Bridgestone Potenza rubber it feels sticky in the bends. Cornering at pace delivers great fun and engagement, while both manual and auto variants come with launch control for those feeling the need for slingshot takeoffs.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: I’m really not the market. With only two seats and limited boot space, at this stage of my life it’s not my jam. The Z has amazing looks and it’s a hoot to drive; it would have a better life with someone who fully appreciates its lineage. GRANT: Sitting head and shoulders over the 370Z it replaces, this is a modern classic. Spectacular design with an engaging rearwheel drive set-up, take a trip to the aftermarket exhaust specialists and it would certainly be on my sports car consideration list.