Slipping into the driver’s seat of the new Nissan Z, the first thing you notice is the view – or perhaps the slight obstruction of it. The windshield is indeed slender, and those side mirrors are substantial, particularly the left one which might test your spatial awareness on tight corners. Rear visibility? Let’s just say it encourages reliance on those mirrors. However, with time behind the wheel, these initial visibility quirks become less of a concern. You start to develop a feel for the car’s dimensions, a kind of sixth sense for its boundaries.
Once you’re attuned to the Z’s size, a thought might cross your mind about interior space efficiency. Yes, it’s a focused two-seater sports car, so outright practicality isn’t the primary goal. Yet, the cargo floor under the rear hatch sits quite high. Packing for a weekend getaway with more than carry-on luggage might require some strategic arrangement. On the brighter side, the small storage nooks behind each seat are surprisingly useful. They’re perfect for stowing a couple of grocery bags or smaller items, adding a touch of everyday usability to this sports machine.
Close-up of the classic climate control dials in the 2023 Nissan Z, showcasing user-friendly design
Dimensionally, it’s clear the designers worked within certain constraints. But inside, the cabin manages to feel relatively modern despite its underlying platform. The red leather upholstery in the test model certainly added a vibrant touch. While personal preferences might lean towards other colors (perhaps a nod to iconic blues of the past), the red undeniably makes a statement. The infotainment system from Nissan isn’t going to set benchmarks for speed or visual flair, but it’s functional and gets the job done. The built-in navigation, however, can be a bit overwhelming in its interface. And there’s a certain charm to using familiar, tried-and-true components. The climate control dials, for instance, might be from an older parts catalog, but they are undeniably effective and easy to operate, even in complete darkness.
Similarly, the circular air vents positioned near the door handles are another classic Nissan design element that has stood the test of time. In many cars, the steering wheel might block airflow from such vents, but in the Z, they cleverly direct a stream of cool air right where you need it. While the future of the Z lineage beyond this generation remains uncertain, these vents are a feature Nissan should definitely preserve.
Detailed view of the 2023 Nissan Z's taillights, highlighting its modern yet retro design elements
Are there downsides? The heated seats could be more potent; they feel somewhat underpowered, like slightly upgraded hand warmers. The automatic headlights are linked to auto high-beams without an independent setting, which might not suit all driving environments. And the central display, while functional, reveals the resolution limitations of the backup camera – a higher megapixel count would be welcome. Finally, some enthusiasts might desire a more pronounced and emotive exhaust note from the V6 engine. However, for everyday driving and longer journeys, the Z strikes a pleasant balance, allowing for comfortable conversations even at highway speeds.
