Nissan's built-to-thrill 370Z

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What's more, it also costs less than competitors such as the BMW Z4, Audi TTS coupe, Porsche Boxer PDK and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Motoring scribes and enthusiast drivers all over the world have been in a froth from the moment this latest generation of the iconic Z-car was unwrapped - and with good reason.

It is a true enthusiast's machine and it looks the part with its low, long bonnet, flaring wheel arches, huge front splitter and black air intake (that links it strongly to its Big Boet R35 GT-R super sportscar) 19” Rays forged-aluminium alloys at each corner, slit-eyed menacing head lights and twin bazooka-pipes sticking out the back.

The car has a no-nonsense air about it, very much like the same bring-it-on, cockyness Porsche cars had 10, 20 years ago.

And this is what makes the 37Z so appealing. It begs to be driven, almost as though it can't wait to show you how well it sits on the road, how quickly it can blast off when you stamp the spoon down on the wool, how well the steering responds and what wonderful music its V6 engine and twin exhausts can orchestrate when you pour on the coals.

At the local Motoring Media introduction I drove the new Z-car in terrible weather conditions over some awful roads in Blue Bulls territory, but even pot-holes, smoke-bellowing trucks, heavy rain and poor visibility couldn't distract from the pleasure of driving this naughty Nissan.

The heart and soul of the latest Z is made up of several components, but central to it all is the new 3.7-litre V6 beneath its sculpted bonnet.

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With 245kW of power and 363Nm of broad torque spread it catapults the latest generation Z from rest to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds if you are driving the six-speed manual version. (There is also a seven-speed automatic version which will do the sprint in 5,6 seconds, but more of that later).

Top speed of both models is electronically reined in at 250 km/h.

This engine is a perfect pairing to the design and balance of the car and it is amazingly responsive. With a deep growl that makes the hair on your arms stand up it harks back to the good old days when environmentally-incorrect exhaust systems added so much fun to sportscar driving.

Tuned for the track, this engine will sound as moving as Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries!

But even in road format it provides buckets of aural delight as you flick through the gears.

I drove both the six-speed manual and the seven-speed automatic and although adrenalin-hungry petrol heads will no doubt opt for the manual, I preferred the convenience of the self-shifting box which comes with paddle-shifts on the steering wheel.

Left to its own devices the auto version is quick enough for flat-out driving fun and quite at home in congested traffic, with no irritating hunting for the right gear. The paddle shift is also lightning fast.

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The one feature I did enjoy of the manual version is a unique SynchroRev Matching system which automatically blips the throttle on up and down shifts to keep the car perfectly balanced into and out of corners. (If you want to ‘left-foot brake' you can disconnect the system and do your own blipping).

Speaking of corners, what makes the new Z car even more impressive than the 350Z is its poise through the bends. Because its chassis has been shortened it feels more agile and because it squats lower down and the track is a little wider the lateral grip is superb.

The car's aluminium suspension has also been tweaked to partner the four fat rubber running shoes at each corner.

Throw in a 53/47 weight distribution which places weight on the front wheels on turn in and then shifts to a perfect 50/50 distribution when you floor it as you leave the corner, the 370Z clings like glue.

And you don't have to be race-track experienced to push this car really hard because its clever Electronic Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system jumps to the rescue to keep things on the straight and narrow if you overcook it.

To me the living quarters of the 370 is exactly what one wants in a sportscar. Instruments and dials are where you would expect to find them, with one exception - the fuel gauge, which is digital, too small, and quite silly, really.

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Everything else is laid out in a no-nonsense, uncluttered fashion, appealing and easy on the eye and you don't need to be a rocket scientist to change a radio station or adjust the cabin temperature.

Adjustable steering, electronically adjustable seats and electronic mirrors all help to find a perfect driving position in no time at all.

On the odd occasion when you might want to drown out the throbbing beat of the lively V6 engine you can blast your favourite driving music out through the eight Bose speaker/ two subwoofer sound system which has been purpose-built for the 370Z and which also incorporates an iPod dock and Bluetooth connectivity.

The leather sporty seats with cloth inlay offer good support and are really comfortable and they have the added bonus of electrical heaters to keep backs and bums warm on chilly days.

The cabin doesn't feel as cramped as some of the opposition cars and it is well insulated against road, wind and engine noises.

The ride is also much smoother than both the BMW Z4 and the Audi TTS I drove recently.

Like all sportscars the 370Z also doesn't have acres of storage space in the cabin, but it does have a boot for the blonde's Gucci make-up bag and a lap-top.

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Other nice to haves include keyless entry, six airbags, rear fog lamps, Nissan's microdot and anti-theft system, immobilizer, active head rests, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, and side impact bars.

The combined fuel consumption for the manual version is 10.5 litres/100km and 10.4 for the auto model.

Unlike all its competitors the 370Z doesn't have a long list of optional extras. All the above is included in the purchase price of R499 000 for the manual and R516 200 for the automatic.

The only extra option is a more sumptuous, tufted carpet set. Even the range's three new colours (Ultimate Yellow, Le Mans Blue, and Vibrant Red) are available on special order and at no additional cost. (Achtung! Take note all German carmakers!)

Considering its wide range of safety features, excellent build quality, enthusiast looks, value for money price, sizzling performance and the three-year/90 000 km service plan and three-year 100 000 km warranty that are included in the price, the 370Z just has to be the most attractive performance package in its class.