THE Nissan 350Z coupe and cabrio are wonderful cars to drive but don't get the accolades they deserve.

They are just as much fun as a Porsche Boxster or Cayman and just as fantastic to look at, but come in at a much lower price - even if the insurance premiums will be about the same.

A two year old 350 is £12,000 cheaper than a Cayman of the same age.

All are powered by a wonderful sounding 3.5-litre V6 and have the kind of catapult acceleration that is the stuff of dreams. A squeeze of the accelerator rockets you past other traffic as if it's standing still.

At cruising speeds it is quiet and refined but wind it up towards the heady red line and it comes alive.

Road holding and handling are brilliant, with tenacious grip and a beautifully nimble feel, with excellent safety right on the limit.

The ride is even comfortable over long hauls, making it a true grand tourer.

Inside, it is a true two seater but has plenty of space for those two and excellent seat adjustment for the driver.

There is not a great deal of luggage space so you have to travel light and, even in the cheapest models, equipment is excellent.