• Only two seats but decent interior space
• Compact but wider than some rivals
• Small boot is an awkward shape 

If you’re considering buying a sports car like this because of its passenger space and luggage capacity, then you’ve misunderstood the concept. There’s enough space inside the cabin for both occupants but in true sports car style the 370Z errs on the side of snug rather than spacious, so taller drivers may find that head and leg room isn’t as generous as they’d like.

There’s a useful cubby between the seats and cars without sat-nav get a large storage box on the central console. The door pockets and glovebox are a little small though.

The 370Z measures up a bit smaller than a Porsche 718 Cayman but wider than a Toyota GT86 – as such we didn’t feel as confident threading it down a narrow road as the Toyota. Still, it’s easy enough to fit in a parking space (despite the heavy steering) and shouldn’t pose much of a problem for your garage either.

How much room is in it?

How to put this politely? A weekend away in a 370Z would be an exercise in efficient packing. The boot itself isn’t huge at 235-litres, plus it’s an awkward shape.

As well as having a shallow profile you also have to content with intrusion from the rear suspension struts, which poke up through the boot floor, and get in the way of anything wider than a gym bag. To put it into context, a Porsche 718 Cayman has a larger rear boot and a secondary luggage area at the front of the car, despite having an engine in the middle of its chassis. Must try harder, 370Z.

Prying eyes are kept averted by a detachable luggage cover which clips onto the tailgate pulling it out of the way as it’s opened. It’s unlikely you’ll be loading anything heavy into the car either but if you do be conscious that the loading lip is high and with no protective moulding you risk scratching the paint around the rear bumper too.

Nissan 370Z safety

• No Euro NCAP rating for 370Z
• Active safety kit is a bit sparse
• No Isofix child seat mounts either

The Nissan 370Z has not been subjected to the rigours of Euro NCAP due to the low level of expected sales, being a specialist sports choice. Automatic lights and wipers help you see and be seen in the first place, while Bi-Xenon units up front and LEDs at the rear ensure high levels of illumination.

In addition to ABS, there’s electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) to maximise your stopping power and electronics designed to keep the car stable during more extreme road conditions. Seatbelts have a shoulder-height adjuster as well as warning lights for non-fastening, while six airbags, including side and curtain varieties, help to cushion the blow in the event of a crash.

Active head restraints, which automatically tip forwards in an accident, help minimise whiplash injuries too.