THE Nissan 350Z has been awarded the illustrious title of Car of Year in the 2004 Top Gear Magazine awards.

The team of road testers from the magazine all put their heads together to establish their overall favourite, and the winner was the 350Z.

The award was presented to Nissan by Jeremy Clarkson and editor Michael Harvey in London.

Top Gear Magazine commented: “From the moment you sit in the driver’s seat, the Z feels like something special. It has the right shape, the right noise, the right pace, the right poise. All at the right price. The Nissan 350Z deserves its place as our car of the year.”

Managing director of Nissan Motor, Bill Bosley, said: “When you consider the vast amount of quality cars that have entered the fray over the last 12 months, to win Car of Year is a fantastic testament to the 350Z. It was always designed to be a true, no compromise sports car, emulating the original thought process of the legendary 240Z back in the early 1970s. This award is further proof that we have achieved our objectives.”

Since its launch, back in October 2003, the 350Z has been consistently collecting awards and praise from all areas of the media from the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers’ Sporting Car of the Year to Boys Toys magazine Car of the Year.

The entry price tag is £24,000, however 90 per cent of customers are opting to include the GT pack for a further £2,500, which provides heated / electric operated leather-covered seats, BOSE stereo system and cruise control.

When the order book was first opened in March 2003 the quota for the year (450 units) was sold out in only 58 minutes. Since then demand has continued to be strong with orders now being taken for mid-year delivery. So if anyone wishes to experience the award winning 350Z for themselves, they need to plan ahead.