IF YOU have any doubts that Nissan is well and truly on the road to recovery, then you could not have seen or driven the awesome 350Z.
You may find it hard to believe that it comes from the same company which created the Almera, but the 350Z is the epitome of engineering from a team which obviously enjoys its work when given a free hand.
They may have had a weekend bonding over a barrel of sake, but whatever the hazy explanation, the focused end result is a car which can hold its own against some of the finest sports cars from Italy, Germany and Britain.
There is very obviously a strong physical resemblance in the silhouette to the smaller Audi TT Coupe, but that's about as far as it goes because the 350Z is very distinctive when it races into your mirror, overtakes, and then disappears into the distance, purposeful rear flanks bulging over some serious rubber.
Although the engine has a pedigree it is, to all intents and purposes, a new unit, built for the demands of the 350Z, and it delivers its abundant power very easily, smoothly and extremely strongly.
Each of the six ratios in the manual box, no limp wristed automatic is available, provides rapid and refined response with a remarkable ability to gobble up the miles on the motorway.
The sheer willingness and flexibility of the 350Z power train means it is very easy to drive around town, even more enjoyable on open roads, and it all comes together on the forecourt at a creditable 25 miles per gallon.
I thought the gear change was very direct but not particularly light in action, unlike the clutch, while the massive brakes deliver precision and power in equal and effective measure.
The steering also communicates a fine feedback and the turning circle is tight without making the car twitchy at speed.
Secondary controls are immediately to hand around the wheel and work with a pleasant damping action, while the big instruments are always instantly readable and clearly display their purpose.
I like the straightforward heating and ventilation as well - the system responds quickly to change and maintains the desired temperature and distribution without a problem. No sunroof is available, but the powered windows are quick acting.
Oddments room is fairly good but not exceptional for a coupe. The large boot opening suggests a high capacity but the intrusive bar linking the top of the rear suspension turrets severely restricts the size of what can be carried. Thoughtfully, the designers have provided a packing guide in the luggage bay.
The Nissan 350Z is strictly a two-seater, but it's a very roomy cabin as a result and the attention to detail means the shape and padding is different for the driver and passenger seats. They look thin, but they provide excellent location and support and the adjustment range is very good.
Tailor the driving seat to your preferred position, adjust the column and mirrors and you have a very cocooned environment.
Visibility to the front is outstandingly good with the bonnet dropping away smartly, the big windscreen's effective wipers and the road illuminated by powerful and long range lights.Visibility is good to the side too, but pulling out of a junction and reversing show up some over-the-shoulder blind spots which need care, particularly as that stiffening bar runs right across the interior mirror view.
All noise levels are very low, the most noticeable being the road rumbles and bump-thump from the big tyres. In fact it is so refined that you could be tricked into thinking you are not going as quickly as you are.
The free flowing nature of the engine and lack of mechanical fussiness gives little away, while the manner in which the 350Z stays glued to the road and its very level cornering attitude also insulates the driver. Even bumpy bits are covered with surprising composure.
And boy does the performance pour out. It is not only smart from standstill but avidly accelerates for overtaking, often with such reserves it is unnecessary to change gear in flowing traffic. In Germany, where it is legal to do so, I took the 350Z close to it's maximum and it remained rock solid and never seemed affected by crosswinds.
On twisting roads the beautiful balance to the steering and rear wheel drive chassis make it a driver's car, yet it still retains a huge safety margin if something unexpected happens.
But what is probably the most surprising feature of the Nissan 350Z is simply the price. You get an awful lot of sophisticated sports car which, with a different badge on the bonnet, would command twice that of this most desirable of driver's cars.
You'll want to pinch yourself to believe you are not dreaming and that your other Nissan could be an Almera.
FAST FACTS
Nissan 350Z GT Coupe
Price: £26,500
Mechanical: 280bhp, 3,498cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.9secs
Combined mpg: 24.8
Insurance group: 19
CO2 emissions: 273g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint