Enthusiasts’ delight

It is simply thrilling to take a drive in Nissan’s fabulous new 350Z. A head-turner, it comes with all the attributes of a classic sports car, and a serious dose of modern-day technology.

Its beautiful exterior was penned in Nissan’s Californian design studio and features a low and wide body. Bulging front and rear guards, twin-exhaust outlets, large alloy wheels with wide low-profile rubber, and gold Brembo brakes on one model (Track) further enhance the exterior. Another model (Roadster) comes with a soft top, which folds away electrically into the boot space in fewer than 20 seconds.

A third model, Touring, and the Track are coupes that retail for $59,990 and $65,990 respectively. The stunning ragtop Roadster costs $69,990.

Inside, this two-seater is a delight, especially for the enthusiast. It is not over-endowed with room, but its sporty, body-hugging heated leather seats are extremely comfortable, as is the driving position.

The main gauge layout and stalk controls are attached to the steering column and move with the small leather-bound sports steering wheel when it is adjusted. Three additional gauges (voltmeter, oil pressure and multi-function trip computer) are fitted in the central facia and angled toward the driver.

A high-performance 3.5-litre V6 engine...
...can bite even at low revs.

The central facia also houses a storage bin, the auto climate-control system and an impressive 240-watt Bose six-disc CD/audio system, which features seven speakers and a huge sub-woofer.

A high-performance 3.5-litre V6 engine drives the rear wheels through a carbon-fibre tail shaft and limited-slip differential. Engineers have positioned the seats in the centre of the car and given the Z a weight distribution of 53 per cent front and 47 per cent rear. Nissan claims this gives the car a 50/50 balance when accelerating out of corners.

Punching out an impressive 206kW of power at 6,200 rpm, the lusty alloy DOHC V6 features 24 valves and continuous variable valve timing. The Z boasts plenty of torque, too – 363Nm at 4,800rpm.

Enthusiasts will love the short-throw gear lever, which provides notchy but positive selection of the six, close-ratio manual forward gears. For those who don’t want to push a clutch, a slick five-speed automatic transmission with “manual mode” can be optioned.

The Z features alloy, independent multi-link suspension all round, with front and rear strut braces providing additional rigidity for flatter cornering. The Police Journal test-drove the Track, which is sensational on the road. Its ride is very firm, almost hard. The tyres growl at low speed, and the engine and gearbox, although capable of great smoothness, can bite even at low revs.

Although this car will happily drive around town in commuter traffic, it is best placed on a winding country road. If you’re an enthusiast, you don’t need CDs – the dual exhausts will provide the music.

Standard features include:

• ABS.
• Electronic brake distribution.
• An effective traction-control system.
• No less than six airbags in the coupe.

The new Z is a very serious sports car that can comfortably compete with any number of similarly priced and even more expensive high-performance cars. The drawback for some will be two seats and limited luggage space.

Performance staggering

Nissan’s volume-selling GU Patrol has been steadily improved since its introduction. Over recent years, Nissan has introduced new and upgraded engines: two turbo diesels (a 3.0-litre four-cylinder and a 4.2-litre six-cylinder) and a massive but thirsty 4.8-litre petrol six.

More recently, the company released its new ST-L model, which bridges the gap between the popular ST and the range-topping Ti. For an additional $6,000, the ST-L comes with:

• Leather trim. • Power front seats. • Rear air conditioning. • Passenger airbag. • Anti-lock brakes.

ST and ST-L can be optioned with any of the three engines.

The Police Journal recently test-drove a manual ST 3.0-litre turbo diesel. Even though it misses out on some of the luxuries, the ST is a very well equipped and extremely capable 4x4 wagon, especially in light of its $50,990 price tag.

The way this big 2,400kg vehicle performs with a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine is staggering. The gem of a motor punches out similar power (116kW at 3,600rpm) and torque (354Nm at 2,000rpm) to the larger 4.2-litre turbo diesel. As long as the turbo is kept on boost, acceleration is very good. The Patrol effortlessly maintains highway speeds or overtaking, and takes on most hills in overdrive. It comes with plenty of torque for towing and has excellent low-range abilities.

The 3.0-litre diesel really shines at the fuel pump. With a 95-litre main tank and 30-litre sub-tank, it has a very good range. The 3.0-litre Patrol can return economy of between 10 and 11 litres per 100km.

On the journal test drive, the Patrol performed well in all conditions, on sealed and unsealed country roads, and more difficult off-road terrain. It even displayed quite agile cornering for such a heavy vehicle. With excellent wheel travel and axle articulation, good ground clearance and sturdy under-body protection, the Patrol shone in off-road conditions.

The 3.0-litre ST diesel Patrol is clearly Nissan’s most popular. Capable and comfortable, it is more affordable than Toyota’s 100 Series LandCruiser. The Cruiser, however, does come with a full-time 4x4 system and cruise control on diesel models. By contrast, the Patrol features a part-time system with auto-locking hubs, and cruise control is not an option with the 3.0-litre diesel.