There’s no official Euro NCAP crash rating for the 350Z but all UK-specification models come with ABS, electronic stability control, high performance Brembo brakes plus front, side and curtain airbags. There’s also a lightweight carbon fibre ‘safety propeller shaft’ which is strong, has no weak link and is said to be safer in a crash. Security is taken care of with remote central locking and an immobiliser.
Practicality is never going to be a strong point in a two-seat sports car but even so, the 350Z is poor. The boot should be quite useful, but the load space is obstructed by a large support brace which effectively splits the boot into two small compartments. As a result, luggage room is just 235 litres – less than a Volkswagen Polo. Stowage up front isn’t great either and the dash storage seems an afterthought where the lack of satellite-navigation leaves a hole.
On the plus side there is a half decent cubby between the front seats, a pop out cupholder and a lidded compartment behind the seats. Revised models from 2006 have more useful door pockets with an incorporated bottle holder.
