Sports cars are impractical by nature. They have only two seats, minimal cargo space, and a comfort level that falls short of that of more versatile, mainstream vehicles.
But practicality isn’t the reason why you buy a sports car. These machines are crafted for performance and driving pleasure. If you think millions of pesos spent on a sports car are better used on seven-seat SUVs, you’re clearly not their target market, and you’re missing the whole point. These are not just mere vessels to take you from point A to point B; they are food for the car enthusiasts’ souls.
The latest Nissan Z RZ34, also known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, excels in these areas. I drove one for a week to get to know the latest Z-car a little better, and let’s just say I’m glad Nissan’s sticking to its winning formula.
Just Beautiful
Nissan’s commitment to classic Z styling is commendable. The long hood, short deck, and rounded lights evoke a sense of nostalgia, especially with the rear end that’s a throwback to the 300ZX of the ‘80s. The classic vibe will never grow old and fit seamlessly into modern times.
Meanwhile, the vibrant yellow paint job I experienced turned many heads, though the Z is available in more subdued colors for those seeking less attention.
While the overall design is not aggressively styled with sharp lines and cutaways, it carries a feminine charm with its sleek lines and curves. The restrained elegance contrasts beautifully with the car’s inherently aggressive nature, showing a softer side that’s equally appealing.
Admittedly, given that this new Z was my phone’s wallpaper when it first came to light a few years ago, I am biased towards this car’s styling. But that’s the beauty of commenting on design—it’s highly subjective, and we have the license to be biased in this regard.
A Very Familiar Cabin
The Nissan Z’s cabin feels like a reunion with an old friend. The layout and design aren’t entirely new but an evolution of the 370Z’s interior significantly improved. Nissan has been transparent about this, and there’s no shame in building on a solid foundation, especially since developing a low-volume from scratch doesn’t make sense cost-wise.
Familiar elements like door-mounted A/C vents and the center console are present, yet the Z doesn’t feel like a mere facelift. It’s a substantial step up from before. Using suede materials adds a premium touch, and the leather seats feel luxurious. The seats feature electronic adjustments with manual height and thigh angle controls, ensuring a comfortable yet sporty driving position, especially on long journeys.
Roomy for a Two-Seater
As a Japanese automobile, the Z’s interior layout is intuitive. Controls are logically placed, and displays are clear and easy to read. The infotainment system boasts a crisp display and, despite lacking wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging, it feels modern enough.
Safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warnings are effective without being intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control is well-refined, outperforming many first attempts at this technology (usually found on Chinese vehicles).
Space inside the Z is ample for two average-sized individuals. At 5’6”, I found it quite comfortable. Cargo space is limited due to the rear design, but the area behind the seats is perfect for small bags, making it practical for short trips. One minor gripe is the cupholder situation. The second cupholder is hidden within the center console box, which can be inconvenient. However, given the limited space, this is a reasonable compromise.
Speed with a Soul
The Nissan Z is powered by a V6 twin-turbo VR30DDTT engine, producing 378 hp and 475 Nm of torque. While not the most powerful variant (with the overseas version making up to 400 hp), it provides plenty of power, paired perfectly with the car’s lightweight nature. This engine deviates from its predecessor and is shared with the Nissan Skyline sedan sold exclusively in Japan. So yes, if you want a practical four-door Z, it exists only in its home market.
The new Z offers a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match, which should make you sound like a pro even if you’re far from one. However, my test car had a 9-speed “9G-Tronic” torque converter automatic transmission with paddle shifters. If that name sounds familiar, this transmission was made by Jatco under a license from Mercedes-Benz – a product of these automakers’ long-time collaboration.
There’s a slight delay when flooring the accelerator, but it’s not bothersome. Kickdowns are enjoyable and deliver the necessary pull when needed. Handling is quick and nimble, and the car confidently takes corners. I had a track experience with the Z after it was launched and it was phenomenal, highlighting its rigid yet forgiving chassis and the perfect combination of light weight and power.
In Standard mode, the Z is a capable daily driver. The engine isn’t overly eager, and the suspension absorbs road imperfections well, making it comfortable for everyday use. During my test, I drove over 250 kilometers in one go and didn’t feel fatigued. In Sport mode, the Z transforms, with increased throttle sensitivity and a penchant for keeping a high RPM. While fun, Sport mode isn’t necessary for daily driving as its Standard mode should suffice for anyone’s need for speed.
While admittedly modern EVs are quite fast and quick on their feet, my drive with the Nissan Z reminded me why sports cars with internal combustion engines are still better to drive. They are speed demons with a soul, which EVs sometimes lack.
The Nissan Z’s fuel efficiency is reasonable, too. On my 250-kilometer drive, which included a mix of highway and bumper-to-bumper traffic, I achieved 9.7 km/l. That was quite impressive, especially for a twin-turbo V6.
Not Cheap, But Does That Really Matter?
With a starting price of under P4 million, the Nissan Z isn’t exactly cheap, aligning closely with the 370Z Nismo version of its predecessor. However, it remains more affordable than many of its European counterparts. Plus, those who are actually in the market for one don’t actually care.
Despite the price, the new Z surpasses expectations even before wearing a Nismo badge. It drives exceptionally well while staying civilized, making it a top contender in the sports car market.
That said, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new Nismo version locally, as Nissan has undoubtedly taken the Z to new heights with this latest iteration.
