Why the new Nissan Z is a modern classic

While manufacturers are racing toward a future of electric self-driving cars, this delightfully old-school coupe stands out from the crowd.

Like a radio station playing feel-good classics, the new Nissan Z coupe plays to the brand’s fan base by tapping into its greatest hits.

The Zed’s appeal starts with retro-modern styling.

The Nissan Z’s daytime running lights are inspired by reflections on the lenses of the 240Z.

A front end inspired by the 1969 Datsun 240Z meets a tail treatment mimicking the 1989 Nissan 300ZX, bridged by an arcing blade of silver trim evoking Japanese swords.

There are elements pinched from all five decades of Z-badged sports cars, which means that regardless of a potential customer’s age, they will find traces of machines that were desirable in their youth.

Dual exhausts look great – but they are surprisingly quiet.

A sophisticated 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 replaces the coarse and strained 3.7-litre V6 found in the old 370Z. Power has grown from 245kW/363Nm to a stout 298kW/475Nm.

The price has also grown by about 20 per cent to $73,300 plus on-road costs (about $80,000 drive-away). That’s not cheap but the only car on sale with more punch per dollar is the Ford Mustang GT, which is due for imminent replacement.

An old-school analogue gauge pod joins a digital dashboard and central touchscreen.

The interior has a 12.3-inch digital dash and an 8.0-inch central touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and an eight-speaker Bose stereo.

Safety features include auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. Heated leather seats with electric adjustment are part of the deal, as are LED headlights, smart keys and climate control.

The new Nissan Z is heavily based on the old 370Z.

A second cupholder was added to a cosy – and loud – cabin that doesn’t have satnav or wireless phone charging.

Performance parts include lightweight 19-inch alloys housing four-pot brake calipers. Australian models are fitted as standard with a limited-slip rear differential that costs thousands overseas.

Lightweight wheels and powerful brakes are part of the deal.

The car costs the same in manual or automatic trim – the only options are premium paint ($700) and metallic paint with a black roof ($1200).

A limited-edition yellow and black “Proto” version has sold out.

Dropping into the Nissan’s cabin, you notice close links with outgoing 370Z. It has the same door handles, seat controls and low-slung seat posture of the old car and a similarly sporty placement for the steering wheel, shifter and pedals.

Sports cars with a shifter and three pedals are an increasingly rare breed.

A prod of the starter button wakes the new engine with a disappointingly muted growl – noise restrictions have muzzled the motor’s bark. But it bites hard, delivering peak torque from just 1600rpm.

The motor doles out effortless shove in all conditions, along with a requirement for drivers to be careful with their right foot in the rain.

Nissan doesn’t advertise a 0-100km/h time for the car, though we’re reliably informed the slick-shifting nine-speed auto will go close to four seconds dead, while the manual is a few tenths slower.

The Z’s twin-turbocharged engine has plenty of wallop.

Some 70 per cent of early orders are for the three-pedal version, suggesting Australian sports car fans are prepared to put the work in to maximise driver enjoyment.

They won’t be disappointed.

Accurate steering with a sensibly paced response gels nicely with a firm but progressive brake pedal perfectly placed for heel-and-toe downshifting.

Nissan dodged the trend for multi-mode shock absorbers attempting to be all things for any circumstance, settling for surprisingly plush fixed settings intended for a weekend cruise rather than a track attack.

Nissan says a silver highlight on the roofline is inspired by ‘katana’ swords.

It feels far more polished than the rough-edged 370Z. It has the old car’s short wheelbase, a trait that lends agility at the cost of occasionally fidgety responses or a snappy movement from the tail.

Enthusiasts might be disappointed by a lack of ultimate precision and control but this is a car for a broader slice of the motoring public than the uncompromising track-day crowd.

Pitched as a “dance partner” rather than a beast that must be tamed, the new Z delivers a satisfyingly familiar driving experience as opposed to white-knuckle thrills.

It’s more of a relaxed cruiser than a scalpel-sharp sports car – a feel-good classic that backs up retro charm with driving joy.

The new Z deserves to be a hit with Nissan fans. Photos: Thomas Wielecki

VERDICT

An attractive and engaging throwback, the new Nissan Z is a modern classic.

NISSAN Z

PRICE About $80,000 drive-away

ENGINE 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo, 298kW and 475Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-yr/u’ltd km, about $2000 for 5 years

SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts

THIRST 10.8L/100km

CARGO 260 litres

SPARE Repair kit

Originally published as Why the new Nissan Z is a modern classic