THE performance of some cars is so addictive I just can't leave them alone. I make excuses to go out for a drive just for the sheer magic of it.

Needless to say, the Nissan 370Z coupe is one such. Friends all wanted a ride and like me, they weren't disappointed.

Acceleration in the range-topping Nismo - which looks as though its escaped from a Fast and Furious film - reels in the horizon as if it's on a fishing line. There's enough grunt to chew up tarmac and spit it out as gravel.

The power output is actually only slightly higher than the other models but it does have an eye-catching bodykit and stiffened and lowered suspension.

This, plus 19-inch wheels and sprayed-on low profiles, makes for a bone-jarring ride on anything but the smoothest blacktop.

The handling and road holding, helped by an array of electronics, are absolutely amazing, with the most tremendous grip, but I couldn't live with the ride, which even lets you feel the writing on manhole covers.

An alcantara and leather-covered wheel marks out the interior and there are also sports seats with electric adjustment and Nismo badging.

A numbered Nismo plaque adds exclusivity and equipment includes CD multi-changer, alarm, climate, cruise, parking sensors, sat nav and traction control.