2020 Nissan 370Z Premium
Only a handful of Japanese models evoke the kind of allure, prestige, and legacy as the Nissan Z series. Its long history has a lot to do with it. The first model that came out in 1969 was the Datsun 240Z. Since then, the nameplate has been known for its style and performance.
So, imagine my excitement knowing I get to spend four days with this Z (Z34), or Fairlady as they call this model in Japan.
Despite the sleek body, it has heft built into its design to emphasize its strength and power. The hood is more rounded, and the fenders don’t just bulge. It puffs out like a cobra hood, except unlike the venomous reptile, this stays flexed the whole time. Also, just like its big GT-R brother, there’s a sharp angle from where the windshield meets the roof before it drastically drops to the tail. At the back are a neat spoiler, dual exhausts, and probably the shapeliest rear in this two-door, two-seater sports car segment.
Exterior equipment includes a front spoiler, bi-Xenon HID projector-type headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED-type taillights, and LED turn lamps. I wish it already had LED headlamps, but I love the aluminum door handles.
It is less aggressively designed than the GT-R but is not waif-thin like the 86. I like my lady shapely. That is why I appreciate this look more in person. It has curves in the right places, and it is as good for its aesthetics as it is for aerodynamics.
Getting in is figuratively easy because of the ‘intelligent’ key. Just push the button on the door handles, and voila, locks pop open. Literally climbing in (more like crouching in) can be challenging if you have weak quads because of the low ground clearance and seat position. Let this be a lesson gentlemen, never skip leg day.
The cabin — especially the instrument panel — is where its age, make, and design show. It is still highly detailed but does not have the kind of backlighting and effects seen in today’s modern units. It has a multi-info display but isn’t customizable. Three extra dials are on top of the padded dashboard showing oil temp, battery charge, and the time. There are leather pieces (with visible white stitching) on various panels, the power-adjustable seats, and the multi-function steering wheel with the Z badge in the middle.
The steering wheel (with large paddle shifters at the back) feels big and could be thicker to provide better grip. Oddly, the infotainment display is a third-party unit (Blaupunkt) instead of OEM equipment. It has Bluetooth connectivity, but the interface is slow. Also, the position of the touchscreen is too low. It should swap places with the storage bin (with cover) that is currently above it. Its saving grace is the eight-speaker Bose audio system. Aircon controls are manual but with an automatic feature.
It feels intimidating in the driver’s seat, but it all melts into the background once the 3.7-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine starts to roar. It isn’t as boisterous as the Supra, but it still packs a punch. The output of 332-PS and 363-Nm of torque is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic with manual mode.
Even with its somewhat large engine, the close to 1.6-ton curb weight is palpable through the speed-sensitive hydraulic rack and pinion steering system. It got lighter as I went faster, but I got tremendous feedback throughout the drive.
Acceleration is very good, especially at low speeds, and is the type to pull you back into your seat with enough throttle pressure. Surprisingly, I felt a slight delay after throttle input at higher speeds.
Handling is one of its best features, and it did not disappoint. The rigid suspension stayed planted through tight corners or long bends. It felt like I could still push it, but that wouldn’t be wise, even on empty roads.
The trade-off is comfort. I could feel what the road surface was like, every crack, gap, and pothole. It was good in a way because you have to take care of the gorgeous 19-inch Ray’s forged alloy wheels.
Safety features include Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and SRS airbags (driver, passenger, side, and side curtain).
The 2020 Nissan 370Z Premium falls short in terms of modern creature comforts, but for all the kinds of fun you can have in the, I believe the P2.879 million price tag is fair. It is an outstanding ride and has the kind of performance you have to Z (and feel) to believe.