Key facts:
Model tested: Nissan 370Z Roadster Auto GT Sat-nav
Price: £41,102
Date tested: June 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Ten Point Test
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 80%
The Nissan 370Z Roadster takes on German rivals with striking looks, big power and lots of equipment. can it win?

1. Looks 10/10
Of all the quick cars currently on sale for under £40k, the 370Z Roadster looks the most desirable. The rear can look chunky from some angles though, but the optional 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels are some of the best-looking fitted to any car.

2. Looks inside 8/10
The interior isn't the best part of the package. The steering wheel adjusts for height but not reach, and you also sit very low, making rear visibility poor, especially with the roof up. But the interior details remind you this is a special car.

3. Practicality 5/10
The boot holds just 140 litres while the car must be stationary for the roof to go up and down. Cars without sat-nav have a useful cubby-hole but rivals have more space; the Boxster has 280 litres and the Z4 310 litres.

4. Ride and handling 7/10
There's huge grip, but large alloys and low-profile tyres transmit bumps and road noise into the cabin. The steering is strongly weighted while there's a heavy clutch and gear throw; the seven-speed automatic is more relaxing in traffic.

5. Performance 10/10
The 3.7-litre V6 pumps out 326bhp with the automatic hitting 62mph in 5.6 seconds; the manual takes 5.3, but both are restricted to 155mph. The potent engine picks up strongly from low revs, but the engine note can be wearing; should be quieter and sweeter than it is.

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6. Running costs 6/10
Road tax is costly as the manual 370Z Roadster averages 25.2mpg and emits 262g/km; the automatic is slightly cleaner at 254g/km. Nissan servicing should be reasonable but drive it hard and replacement tyres will get expensive.

7. Reliability 8/10
The Z is designed to cope with its power, and all its parts are suitably reinforced, so should prove reliable. Nissan has a great reputation for the quality and performance of its sports cars.

8. Safety 8/10
The 370Z hasn't been EuroNCAP crash tested yet, but it should be very safe thanks to huge brakes, stability control and front, side and curtain airbags.

9. Equipment 9/10
A stop/start button, intelligent key, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric seats, steering wheel mounted controls and Bluetooth connectivity are all standard. GT Pack cars gain 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels, heated and cooled seats, cruise control and a six-CD changer with Bose sound system.

10. X-Factor 9/10
With the top down, on a great road, the Nissan 370Z Roadster is a great place to be. For the price it's hard to beat, but a little extra polish would make it an even bigger threat to key rivals.