Ready, Zeady, Go!

In this first drive of the all-new Nissan 350Z, we find out if the rebirth of the renowned Z-car has really got what it takes to sweep aside the competition and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its legendary predecessors.

At first sight, the newcomer looks good. On sale now in the US, the Audi TT and Mazda RX-8 challenger costs a Porsche Boxster-busting £17,392, but offers even more performance than its Stuttgart-built rival. Developing 280bhp and an impressive 371Nm of torque from its 3.5-litre V6 powerplant, the Nissan promises to lift the performance benchmark in its class by some way.

And it's not only about straight-line speed. The 350Z promises to match the driveability of its European rivals as well. Although nearly three centimetres shorter than the Porsche, its wheelbase is a full 22.5 centimetres longer, ensuring greater stability and grip.

But before getting behind the steer- ing wheel, just take in the car's sensational styling, which brings the jaw-dropping looks of the Z Concept of the 2001 Detroit Motor Show to the road.

Slender lights, gaping air intakes and an incredible level of attention to detail help make the 350Z one of the finest-looking cars ever designed by Nissan. Climb inside and the Z is just as mesmerising. It's practical, too, and the boot will hold two full-size golf bags, a feature Nissan developed for the original Z-car. However, there's no glovebox in the cabin - instead, there is a bin behind the passenger seat, which will hold a briefcase, while a corresponding space behind the driver is reserved for an optional sub-woofer.

Yet although the interior design is innovative, its under the skin that the 350Z really impresses. The 3.5-litre twin-camshaft V6 has a continuously variable valve timing system and seamless power delivery, which results in a 0-60mph time of six seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Channelling all that power on to the road is a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive transmission and taut six-speed manual gearbox that combines with multi-link suspension to offer a smooth ride and precise steering.

Fire up the engine, slot the car into gear and head for the horizon. The first thing you will notice is that the 350Z feels surprisingly refined at cruising speeds. The suspension, although firm, filters out the sharper edges from imperfections in the road surface, while generous soundproofing keeps down the noise from the engine to a rich growl. If you drive it hard, though, the 350Z has a raw feeling. At high revs, the engine forces a level of sound and vibration throughout the cabin that's muted in more expensive sports cars.

Even with the optional leather seats fitted to our car, it can't matchthe comfort offered by a Boxster S. When confronted with this, Nissan points to the driving experience, which it maintains is enhanced with traction control, a viscous limited-slip differential and cruise control.

The company adds that drivers who want more can opt for the Track model costing £23,079. With 18-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes and subtle spoilers front and rear, the car feels light and responsive. The larger brakes are reassuringly powerful and haul the speed down with ease.

The uprated wheels take a toll on refinement, though, and the Track has a meaner character, complete with an unforgiving suspension and extra road noise.

Despite this, we still love the undiluted entertainment that's on offer from the 350Z, which is a worthy addition to Nissan's famous Z-car legacy. Quick and easy to drive, the 'affordable' Z is one of the most exciting machines the firm has built since it launched the mighty Skyline R34.