ON THE ROADPerformance: The Roadster has the same 309bhp V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission as the coupe, but it’s dragging an extra 150 kilos along as a result of the body-stiffening measures. That’s hardly a problem for such a strong engine, and any performance loss is virtually undetectable. The gearchange is firm and can be awkward.
Ride & handling: The extra weight pays for itself when you take to imperfect or twisting roads. The coupe's chassis stiffness and steering feel have been retained, yet the roadster still rides bumps well. If there’s any criticism to be levelled at the 350Z, it’s that it lacks the ultimate agility of the best sporting coupés and roadsters.
Refinement: If you’re interested in the 350Z roadster, you can forget about the quiet life. You get to hear the snorting exhaust note without it being muffled by bodywork and soundproofing, but you’re also party to too much road noise at times. Buffeting is well contained, though, thanks to the snug driving position and effective glass wind blocker behind the seats.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning: With a hefty price premium over the coupe, this is likely to be a rarer car and match the coupé’s strong resale values. That will be some compensation for running costs that will be straight out of the top drawer.
Quality & reliability: The 350Z has an appealing cabin, but not all the plastics – or the way they slot together – are up to Audi standards. Still, the roof looks sturdy, and its furling and unfurling mechanism seems well engineered. Mechanically, we have no reason to assume the car will be anything other than bulletproof.
Safety & security: Canvas roofs are inevitably easier targets than metal ones for thieves, and it’s a concern that there’s so little boot space or in-car storage space for valuables. There’s a full set of airbags on board along with electronic traction and anti-lock braking devices. Roll-over hoops behind the seats offer extra protection in the event of a crash.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel: The low-slung driver’s seat provides plenty of support, and the main bank of instruments moves in unison with the steering column to ensure you retain a clear sight of them. The stubby gearlever could be smoother and lighter in operation, and top-up visibility is worse than in the coupe.
Space & practicality: The 350Z is is roomy enough for a couple of lanky adults, even with the roof in place. However, they had better learn to travel light, for the coupé’s already unimpressive boot space has been halved to make space for the roof to fold away under its flush metal cover. The soft roof folds electrically in 20 seconds. All the driver has to do is hold down a button.
Equipment: Equipment levels are similar to those on the coupe. The convertible comes with air-conditioning, remote central locking, a CD changer, alloy wheels and electric windows as standard. GT-spec adds heated leather seats, cruise control and an upgraded stereo for an extra £2500.
source: whatcar
